MyNameList

    Maya

    Also spelled: Maia, Maja, maya’

    Pronunciation: MAH-yah

    ♀ Female
    Sanskrit, Greek, Hebrew, Spanish

    Meaning

    Illusion, good mother, water, or great

    Origin

    Sanskrit, Greek, Hebrew, Spanish

    About Maya

    Maya is a name that truly embodies a beautiful global spirit, effortlessly blending ancient roots with a decidedly modern appeal. It carries a whisper of the mystical, whether through its Sanskrit meaning of "illusion" or its evocative presence in Greek mythology. Yet, it also feels wonderfully grounded, with an earthy elegance that suits parents looking for a name both sophisticated and approachable. Unlike many names with diverse origins, Maya’s distinct sound and simple spelling have allowed it to flourish across cultures without losing its unique charm, making it a truly versatile choice that feels both familiar and special.

    Quick Facts

    - Pronunciation: MAH-yah - Popular in: United States, United Kingdom, India, Israel - Nicknames: Maia, Maja

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Common
    Trend:Rising
    Peak decade:2000s
    Era:Ancient, Contemporary
    Popular in:United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, Israel

    Popularity Trends

    Is Maya Right for Your Baby?

    Maya is a Mystical, Earthy, Elegant name for girls that suits parents looking for something classic and well-established. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables2
    LengthMedium
    International UseGlobal
    PronunciationEasy

    Cultural Associations

    Hindu
    Greek Mythology
    Biblical / Christian

    Regions Where Maya Is Used

    Indian
    Greek / Hellenic
    Hebrew / Jewish
    Latin American / Hispanic

    Name Vibe

    Mystical
    Earthy
    Elegant
    Modern

    Famous People Named Maya

    • Maya Angelou, American poet and civil rights activist
    • Maya Rudolph, American actress and comedian
    • Maya Hawke, American actress and singer
    • Maya Lin, American architect and artist
    • Maya Plisetskaya, Soviet and Russian ballerina

    Alternative Spellings & Variants

    • Maia
    • Maja

    Nicknames & Short Forms

    May
    My

    Maya in different fonts

    MayaDancing Script
    MayaCaveat
    MayaSatisfy
    MayaPacifico
    MayaGreat Vibes

    Sibling Name Style

    If you like Maya, you might also like names with these styles:

    Nature names
    Mythological names
    Short and sweet

    Related Names

    Found in these lists

    👧 Nauru Girl Names
    🇬🇧👧 British Girl Names
    🌍 Sanskrit Names
    👧 Sister Names
    ☘️ Irish & Celtic Names
    👯 Twin Girl Names
    💧 Names Meaning Water
    🌟 Names Meaning Hope
    👫 Sibling Names
    👶 Twin Baby Names
    📜 Traditional Nepal Names
    🇦🇺👧 Australian Girl Names
    🇺🇸👧 American Girl Names
    👧 Seychelles Girl Names
    👧 Trinidad and Tobago Girl Names
    📜 Traditional Turkmenistan Names
    🤖 Gen Alpha Names
    🇱🇧📜 Traditional Lebanese Names
    ⭐👧 Popular Girl Names
    🏫 Preppy Girl Names
    🇺🇦📜 Traditional Ukrainian Names
    📜 Traditional Syria Names
    👧 Bahamas Girl Names
    👧 Congo Girl Names
    👑 Elegant Girl Names
    🇯🇵📜 Traditional Japanese Names
    💎 Old Money Baby Girl Names
    🏫 Preppy Names
    🇮🇱📜 Traditional Israeli Names
    👶 Names for Triplets
    📱 Gen Z Names
    💃 Latino Baby Names
    🌲 Forest Names
    👧 Girl Names
    🏴 Scottish Names
    👧 Nepal Girl Names
    👧 Canadian Girl Names
    🇮🇩📜 Traditional Indonesian Names
    💃 Spanish Names
    🌍 Global Baby Names
    💿 2000s Names
    📜 Traditional Palestine Names
    🌙 Arabic Names
    💫 Short Baby Girl Names
    🇮🇩👧 Indonesian Girl Names
    🦘 Australian Names
    🇱🇧👧 Lebanese Girl Names
    🪷 Indian Names
    🇧🇪 Belgian Names
    👧 Luxembourg Girl Names
    🇮🇳📜 Traditional Indian Names
    🥝 New Zealand Names
    👑 Royal Names
    👧 Turkmenistan Girl Names
    👑 Royal Girl Names
    👧 Mauritius Girl Names
    2️⃣ Two Syllable Baby Names

    Frequently Asked Questions About Maya

    What are the main cultural associations of the name Maya?

    Maya has rich cultural ties, appearing in Hindu traditions, Greek mythology, and even having Biblical connections, reflecting its diverse origins.

    Is Maya a popular name?

    Yes, Maya is quite popular and rising in many countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, India, and Israel.

    What does Maya mean?

    Maya means "Illusion, good mother, water, or great". It is derived from Sanskrit, Greek, Hebrew, Spanish.

    What is the origin of Maya?

    Maya originates from Sanskrit, Greek, Hebrew, Spanish. Its cultural origin is Sanskrit, Greek, Hebrew, Spanish.

    Is Maya a male or female name?

    Maya is a female name.

    How do you pronounce Maya?

    Maya is pronounced "MAH-yah".

    What language does Maya come from?

    Maya comes from Sanskrit, Greek, Hebrew, Spanish.

    What are variants of Maya?

    Variants of Maya include Maia, Maja, maya’.

    What are nicknames for Maya?

    Common nicknames for Maya include May, My.

    Articles You Might Like

    Browse more M names →