Sacred to Maia, goddess of growth — her name shares a root with 'major' and 'majesty,' meaning 'the great one.'
The fifth month of the year in the Gregorian and Julian calendars, consisting of 31 days.
From Latin 'Māius' (mēnsis), most likely named in honor of Maia, an ancient Italic goddess of growth and fertility later identified with the Greek Maia, the eldest of the Pleiades and mother of Hermes. An alternative ancient theory, attributed to the Roman poet Ovid, connects it to 'maiōrēs' (elders), suggesting May was the month honoring older citizens, just as June honored 'iūniōrēs' (younger ones). The Maia explanation is generally preferred