"mother, great one"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Maia
Pronunciation: [ m-EYE-uh ]
Girl Name
#459 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
Named for a star goddess who gave birth to May itself
Greek
Roman
English
Hawaiian
Spanish
Elegant
Mythological
Vintage
Earthy
Gentle
Meaning & Origin
"goddess of spring and growth"
Origin: Roman mythology
Language: Latin
"banana plant"
Origin: Hawaiian
Language: Hawaiian
The Story of Maia
Maia has rich mythological origins. In Greek mythology, Maia was the eldest and most beautiful of the Pleiades, the seven daughters of Atlas and Pleione. She became the mother of Hermes (Mercury) by Zeus. In Roman mythology, Maia was also a goddess of spring, growth, and fertility, and the month of May is believed to be named after her. In Hawaiian, Maia means banana, a sacred plant. These layered meanings give the name remarkable depth.
Maia has been rising in popularity as an elegant alternative to the more common Maya. Its mythological roots and soft sound appeal to parents seeking a name with classical depth. It consistently appears in European name charts in France, Italy, and Spain.
The Pleiades star cluster, which contains the star named Maia, has been significant to cultures worldwide for navigation and agriculture for thousands of years. In Roman culture, the goddess Maia gave her name to the month of May, one of the most beloved months across cultures.
Fun Facts
- The month of May is believed to be named after the Roman goddess Maia
- The star Maia in the Pleiades cluster is about 400 light years from Earth and 800 times brighter than the Sun
Maia in Other Languages
Greek
Maia
Latin
Maia
French
Maia
Spanish
Maya
Hawaiian
Maia
Famous People Named Maia
M
Maia Mitchell
Actor
1993
Australian actress and singer known for The Fosters and Good Trouble
M
Maia (Mythology) Fictional
Other
Eldest and most beautiful of the Pleiades in Greek mythology, mother of Hermes by Zeus
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #459
- Total SSA Count
- 681
- Cultural Origins
- Greek Roman English Hawaiian Spanish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Pairs Well With
Maia Rose
Maia Grace
Maia Elise
Maia Claire
Maia Renee
Maia Pearl
Maia Violet
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maia
What does the name Maia mean?
"mother, great one" (from Greek). "goddess of spring and growth" (from Roman mythology). "banana plant" (from Hawaiian). Maia has rich mythological origins. In Greek mythology, Maia was the eldest and most beautiful of the Pleiades, the seven daughters of Atlas and Pleione. She became the mother of Hermes (Mercury) by Zeus. In Roman mythology, Maia was also a goddess of spring, growth, and fertility, and the month of May is believed to be named after her. In Hawaiian, Maia means banana, a sacred plant. These layered meanings give the name remarkable depth.
What is the origin of the name Maia?
Maia has Greek, Roman mythology, Hawaiian, Roman, English, and Spanish origins. In Greek, it means "mother, great one". In Roman mythology, it means "goddess of spring and growth". In Hawaiian, it means "banana plant".
Is Maia a boy or girl name?
Maia is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Maia?
Maia is pronounced m-EYE-uh.
How popular is the name Maia?
Maia is currently ranked #459 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Maia?
Popular middle name pairings include Maia Rose, Maia Grace, Maia Elise, Maia Claire, Maia Renee, Maia Pearl, and Maia Violet.
What are good sibling names for Maia?
Names that pair well with Maia as siblings include Luna, Aurora, Cleo, Orion, Atlas, Zara, and Iris.
How many syllables does Maia have?
Maia has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Maia a common or rare name?
Maia is a popular name, ranked #459 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Maia
Maia is a girl name with Greek, Roman, English, Hawaiian, and Spanish origins . The name means "mother, great one" in Greek .
Maia is currently ranked #459 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Maia has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-EYE-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Maia include Maisie, Maisy, Maizie, Maite, Maizy . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.