The nameMaya
Maya is a girl's name with several roots: Sanskrit, Greek and Hebrew. Simple and international, it is popular in Britain and the United States.
- Girl's name
- Several origins meet in Maya
Meaning
Maya means "illusion" in Sanskrit, a key word of Indian philosophy. In Greek mythology, Maia is the mother of Hermes, and May is named after her. In Hebrew, mayim means "water".
Origin
Several origins meet in Maya. It is also linked to the Maya civilisation of Central America, whose name has a different root.
History
The poet Maya Angelou gave the name worldwide fame. It rose from the 1990s and is in the top 30 in England and Wales.
Did you know?
- Maya Angelou read her poem On the Pulse of Morning at Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993.
Famous people named Maya
- Maya Angelou, poet
- Maya Rudolph, actress
- Maya Hawke, actress
- Maya Jama, presenter
Popularity of the name Maya
Maya in the United States
Maya was most popular in the United States in the 2000s, with 40,104 births over the decade, 33% of all recorded babies named Maya. Its rise began around 1990, and it peaked in 2006. Half of all babies named Maya in the United States were born before 2010, 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 4,076 births a year.
Maya in the United Kingdom
Maya was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 13,274 births over the decade, 44% of all recorded babies named Maya. Half of all babies named Maya in the United Kingdom were born before 2015, 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 1,549 births a year.
Maya in Ireland
Maya in France
Maya in Belgium
Maya in Switzerland
Maya in Austria
Maya in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Maya
Names from the same generation as Maya, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Maya? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Maya with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Maya side by side with the name of your choice.
Maya in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Maya mean?
Maya means "illusion" in Sanskrit, a key word of Indian philosophy. In Greek mythology, Maia is the mother of Hermes, and May is named after her. In Hebrew, mayim means "water".
What is the origin of the name Maya?
Several origins meet in Maya. It is also linked to the Maya civilisation of Central America, whose name has a different root.
Is Maya a girl's or a boy's name?
Maya is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Maya?
In 2024, Maya was the 51st most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 4,220 births.
What are the variants of the name Maya?
Variants and related names of Maya include Mya and Naya.
What are good sibling names for Maya?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Natalia, Zoe, Madelyn and Valerie for a sister, Vincent, Micah, Adrian and Jack for a brother.
Who are famous people named Maya?
Maya Angelou, poet; Maya Rudolph, actress; Maya Hawke, actress; Maya Jama, presenter.