Mays

Mays is an English surname of medieval origins, deriving from the given name "Matthew", meaning "gift of God". The name is classified as a patronymic, meaning that it denotes "son of May", with "May" being a diminutive form of "Matthew". The surname is found predominantly in the southern counties of England, such as Kent and Sussex.

Notable Individuals

Theresa Mays (b. 1956)

Theresa Mays is a renowned British playwright and theatre director, known for her innovative productions that blend elements of drama and comedy. Born in London, Mays has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the performing arts.

Jonathan Mays (b. 1978)

Jonathan Mays is a respected archaeologist and historian, specialising in the study of prehistoric civilizations in Britain. His groundbreaking research on ancient artefacts and burial sites has shed light on the early cultural heritage of the British Isles.

In Popular Culture

The surname "Mays" has made appearances in various literary works and films, often symbolising characters with a sense of wisdom and resilience. It is a name that evokes a sense of tradition and heritage, reflecting the enduring legacy of the British people.

References

  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

This entry provides a brief overview of the surname Mays, highlighting its historical significance and notable individuals associated with it.

There are approximately 1,821 people named Mays in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,549th most common surname in Britain. Around 28 in a million people in Britain are named Mays.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Daniel
  • David
  • Ian
  • John
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Amanda
  • Angela
  • Claire
  • Emma
  • Jean
  • Joan
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Marie
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Valerie

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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