Maia
Great one, mother — a girl name of Greek origin
Popularity of Maia in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Maia
Maia comes from Greek mythology, where she was the eldest of the seven Pleiades and the mother of Hermes by Zeus; her name is thought to derive from the Greek root for "mother" or "nurse," and the month of May is named in her honor. The name also appears independently in Māori culture, where "maia" means "brave" or "courageous." As a variant spelling of Maya, Maia has grown steadily in the English-speaking world, appreciated for its airy, mythological elegance and its gentle two-syllable sound.
Maia Around the World
Maia is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 6+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Maia
Famous People Named Maia
- Maia Mitchell — Australian actress
- Maia Shibutani — American ice dancer and Olympic medalist
- Maia Campbell — American actress
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Sibling Name Ideas for Maia
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Maia mean?
Maia is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Great one, mother." Maia comes from Greek mythology, where she was the eldest of the seven Pleiades and the mother of Hermes by Zeus; her name is thought to derive from the Greek root for "mother" or "nurse," and the month of May is named in her honor. The name also appears independently in Māori culture, where "maia" means "brave" or "courageous.
How do you pronounce Maia?
Maia is pronounced MY-uh. Common variations include Maya, Mya, Maiya.
Is Maia a girl name?
Yes, Maia is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include May, Mimi.
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