The nameMaia
Maia is a girl's name of Greek origin meaning "mother, nurse". The name of a goddess who gave her name to the month of May, it is popular in Britain.
- Girl's name
- Greek
Meaning
Maia comes from the Greek maia, "mother, good mother, nurse".
Origin
Greek. In mythology, Maia is the eldest of the Pleiades and the mother of Hermes. The Romans honoured a goddess Maia, who gave her name to May.
History
Maia reached the top 180 in England and Wales. It is popular in New Zealand, Israel and Portugal.
Did you know?
- Maia Sandu became the first woman elected President of Moldova in 2020.
Famous people named Maia
- Maia, Greek goddess
- Maia Mitchell, actress
- Maia Sandu, President of Moldova
Popularity of the name Maia
Maia in the United States
Maia was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 5,123 births over the decade, 29% of all recorded babies named Maia. Its rise began around 1977, and it peaked in 2022. Half of all babies named Maia in the United States were born before 2009, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 689 births a year on average, against 591 in the five years before.
Maia in the United Kingdom
Maia was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 2,634 births over the decade, 36% of all recorded babies named Maia. Half of all babies named Maia in the United Kingdom were born before 2012, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 283 births a year.
Maia in Ireland
Maia in France
Maia in Belgium
Maia in Norway
Sibling names for Maia
Names from the same generation as Maia, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Maia? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Maia with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Maia side by side with the name of your choice.
Maia in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Maia mean?
Maia comes from the Greek maia, "mother, good mother, nurse".
What is the origin of the name Maia?
Greek. In mythology, Maia is the eldest of the Pleiades and the mother of Hermes. The Romans honoured a goddess Maia, who gave her name to May.
Is Maia a girl's or a boy's name?
Maia is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Maia?
In 2024, Maia was the 459th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 681 births.
What are good sibling names for Maia?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Helena, Elaine, Thalia and Selena for a sister, Esteban, Dorian, Angelo and Franklin for a brother.
Who are famous people named Maia?
Maia, Greek goddess; Maia Mitchell, actress; Maia Sandu, President of Moldova.