Mays

Meaning and origin

The last name Mays has its origins in multiple cultures and languages. In English, it is derived from the Old English word "mæg," meaning "kinsman" or "relative," suggesting a possible patronymic origin. In some cases, it could also be a variant of the name May, derived from the Old French word "mai," meaning "May," a reference to the month or a nickname for someone born in May.

The longer story

Mays is a last name with a diverse range of origins and meanings. The origins and etymology of this surname can be traced back to multiple countries, making it a fascinating subject for genealogical research.

It is also possible that Mays originated as a variant spelling of the surname "Mayes," derived from the same given name.

Another potential origin of the Mays surname is from Ireland, where it is considered to be an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname "Ó Maolmhuaidh." This surname translates to "descendant of the servant of St. Maolmhuaidh." It is worth noting that the spelling of Irish surnames often varied due to historical factors, such as English influence during the colonization of Ireland.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.