Maya: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: ma-he-e-a-h
Origin: India
gender-female

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Aug 14, 2024 · 2 mins read
Region Origin: Southern Asia
Meaning: Illusion

The name Maya is primarily Sanskrit in origin and has multiple meanings, including "illusion," "magic," and "mother". It is rooted in the Indian philosophical concept of Māyā, which represents the ever-changing world of appearances. In addition to its Sanskrit origins, Maya also has Hebrew and Roman meanings. In Hebrew, it is thought to mean "water" or "from God", while in Roman mythology, it is associated with the goddess Maia, who personifies Mother Earth and embodies growth, creativity, and nurturing. The origins of the Maya civilization, a Mesoamerican culture that existed from antiquity to the early modern period, are not directly related to the name Maya. However, the civilization's achievements in art, architecture, mathematics, calendar, and astronomy have contributed to the name's popularity and association with creativity and growth.

Maya Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Maya is currently #93 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Girl: Maya is currently #37 on Kiindred Girl Names
gender-male Overall Unique: Maya is currently #90 on Kiindred Unique Names
gender-female Girl Unique: Maya is currently #37 on Kiindred Girl Unique Names

Popularity Trend Chart

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Famous People Named Maya

This section lists notable individuals and public figures named Maya, showcasing their achievements and contributions in various fields.

  • Maya Angelou: Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist known for her autobiographies, including "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." She passed away in 2014.
  • Maya Rudolph: Maya Rudolph is an American actress, comedian, and singer known for her work on "Saturday Night Live" and for her roles in films like "Bridesmaids" and "The Way Way Back."
  • Maya Hawke: Maya Hawke is an American actress and model known for her roles in "Stranger Things" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood."
  • Maya Lin: Maya Lin is an American designer and artist known for designing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
  • Maya Moore: Maya Moore is a retired American professional basketball player who played for the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA and is known for her advocacy for criminal justice reform.
  • Maya Plisetskaya and Edward Maya.:

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