"demigod of Polynesian mythology"
Origin: Hawaiian/Polynesian
Language: Hawaiian
Maui
Pronunciation: [ m-OW-ee ]
Does Maui flow with your last name?
The legendary Polynesian demigod who fished up islands and lassoed the sun
Hawaiian
Polynesian
Maori
Pacific Islander
Modern American
Earthy
Bold
Playful
Unique
Modern
Whimsical
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"the left hand (possible etymology)"
Origin: Proto-Polynesian
Language: Hawaiian
"to live, to be alive (possible etymology)"
Origin: Polynesian
Language: Hawaiian
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with the Disney film Moana (2016) and its sequel—a selling point for many parents but may feel trend-driven to others
The Story of Maui
Maui is the name of the legendary demigod in Polynesian mythology, one of the most important figures in Pacific Island cultures from Hawaii to New Zealand (Māori) to Tahiti and Samoa. The name's exact etymology is debated—it may mean 'the left hand,' 'to live,' or relate to concepts of snaring or capturing. Maui Nukuatea is a common full mythological name. The island of Maui, Hawaii's second-largest, was named after the demigod according to Hawaiian oral tradition.
Maui surged as a given name following Disney's Moana (2016), in which the demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) became a beloved character. The film introduced Polynesian mythology to global audiences and sparked widespread interest in Hawaiian and Pacific Island names. The 2024 sequel Moana 2 renewed this cultural moment.
In Polynesian mythology, Maui is a culture hero and trickster demigod credited with extraordinary feats: fishing up the islands of New Zealand from the ocean floor, slowing the sun with a rope made of his sister's hair, and attempting to grant humans immortality. His stories are central to the oral traditions of Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, and virtually all Pacific Island cultures.
Historical Record
Maui first appeared in US Social Security records in 1997.
Over 249 babies have been named Maui in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Maui is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #5,566 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Māori tradition, Maui fished the North Island of New Zealand up from the ocean floor—it's still called Te Ika-a-Māui (The Fish of Maui)
- Maui supposedly slowed the sun by lassoing it with his grandmother's braided hair rope, giving humans longer days for fishing and farming
Maui in Other Languages
Maori
Māui
Samoan
Maui
Tongan
Maui
Hawaiian
Māui
Japanese
マウイ
Tahitian
Maui
Popularity Over Time
#5,566
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Maui
D
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
Actor
1972
American actor and producer of Samoan heritage who voiced the demigod Maui in Disney's Moana, bringing Polynesian cultur...
American actor and producer of Samoan heritage who voiced the demigod Maui in Disney's Moana, bringing Polynesian culture to worldwide audiences
M
Maui (Polynesian demigod)
Other
The legendary trickster demigod of Polynesian mythology, credited with fishing up islands, slowing the sun, and attempti...
The legendary trickster demigod of Polynesian mythology, credited with fishing up islands, slowing the sun, and attempting to win immortality for humanity; central to oral traditions from Hawaii to New Zealand
M
Maui (Disney's Moana) Fictional
Other
The charming, boastful demigod voiced by Dwayne Johnson in Disney's Moana (2016) and Moana 2 (2024), who introduced Poly...
The charming, boastful demigod voiced by Dwayne Johnson in Disney's Moana (2016) and Moana 2 (2024), who introduced Polynesian mythology to a global generation of children
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #5,566
- Total SSA Count
- 17
- Cultural Origins
- Hawaiian Polynesian Maori Pacific Islander Modern American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
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Middle Names
Middle Names for Maui
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Maui is also used as a girl name, ranked #27104.
View Maui as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maui
What does the name Maui mean?
"demigod of Polynesian mythology" (from Hawaiian/Polynesian). "the left hand (possible etymology)" (from Proto-Polynesian). "to live, to be alive (possible etymology)" (from Polynesian). Maui is the name of the legendary demigod in Polynesian mythology, one of the most important figures in Pacific Island cultures from Hawaii to New Zealand (Māori) to Tahiti and Samoa. The name's exact etymology is debated—it may mean 'the left hand,' 'to live,' or relate to concepts of snaring or capturing. Maui Nukuatea is a common full mythological name. The island of Maui, Hawaii's second-largest, was named after the demigod according to Hawaiian oral tradition.
What is the origin of the name Maui?
Maui has Hawaiian/Polynesian, Proto-Polynesian, Polynesian, Hawaiian, Maori, Pacific Islander, and Modern American origins. In Hawaiian/Polynesian, it means "demigod of Polynesian mythology". In Proto-Polynesian, it means "the left hand (possible etymology)". In Polynesian, it means "to live, to be alive (possible etymology)".
Is Maui a boy or girl name?
Maui is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #5566. As a girl name, it is ranked #27104. Maui is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Maui?
Maui is pronounced m-OW-ee.
How popular is the name Maui?
Maui is currently ranked #5566 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Maui?
Popular middle name pairings include Maui James, Maui Kai, Maui River, Maui Liam, Maui Alexander, Maui Blue, and Maui Ocean.
What are good sibling names for Maui?
Names that pair well with Maui as siblings include Kai, Leilani, Koa, Hana, Nalu, Kenji, Lilo, and Mako.
How many syllables does Maui have?
Maui has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Maui a common or rare name?
Maui is an uncommon name, ranked #5566 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Maui?
About the Name Maui
Maui is a boy name with Hawaiian, Polynesian, Maori, Pacific Islander, and Modern American origins . The name means "demigod of Polynesian mythology" in Hawaiian/Polynesian .
Is Maui a boy or girl name? Maui is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #5,566 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #27,104. Maui is more commonly used as a boy name.
Maui is currently ranked #5,566 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Maui has 3 syllables and is pronounced m-OW-ee, making it distinctive and memorable.
Alternative spellings of Maui include Mauricio, Maurice, Mauro . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis