In Scots is 'may' 'maid'?

Subject: In Scots is 'may' 'maid'?
From: Garry Gillard
Date: 22 Jul 08 - 05:54 AM

I've noticed in more than one Scots song that a girl's name includes 'May'. The example before me at the moment is The Drowned Lovers aka Clyde's Water aka The Mother's Malison, Child #216, in which the young lady is May Margaret - well, in Nic Jones's and Kate Rusby's version anyway, tho not Martin Carthy's. Is that part of her name, or is it a generic classifier - perhaps indicating that she is a 'maid'? I would ask a Scot, but don't have one handy.

tia, Garry

Subject: RE: In Scots is 'may' 'maid'?
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 22 Jul 08 - 05:58 AM

It can be used in both ways, although in Scots balladry it would more usually signify a maid. Eg. "My bonny Mays".

Subject: RE: In Scots is 'may' 'maid'?
From: Garry Gillard
Date: 22 Jul 08 - 06:06 AM

Many thanks, Fred.

Subject: RE: In Scots is 'may' 'maid'?
From: GUEST,Suffolk Miracle
Date: 22 Jul 08 - 10:49 AM

An example would be:

You lie, you lie, you bonny may
So loud I hear you lie.
I am Lord Randall's own dear son
And he has no child but me.
(The Boony Hind)