"corn, golden grain"
Origin: Taino
Language: Taino
Maize
Pronunciation: [ m-AYZ ]
Does Maize flow with your last name?
A golden nature name rooted in Indigenous American heritage
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"the sacred crop"
Origin: Indigenous American
Language: Nahuatl
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The Story of Maize
Maize comes from the Taino word mahiz, which Caribbean Indigenous peoples used to describe what we now call corn. Spanish explorers borrowed the word in the 15th century, and it entered English as maize—the standard scientific and British English term for corn. As a given name, Maize belongs to the earthy nature-name movement, alongside names like River, Birch, Sage, and Clover. Its golden color association adds warmth and brightness.
Maize as a given name is rare but rising, fitting into the broader nature name and word name trend that has surged since the 2010s. Its single syllable, strong Z sound, and connections to golden warmth make it appealing to parents seeking short, punchy nature names with Indigenous American roots.
Maize was the sacred staple crop of virtually every major Mesoamerican and Native American civilization—Aztec, Maya, Inca, and countless others. It was so central to these cultures that it was mythologized as divine; the Maya creation story in the Popol Vuh describes humans being made from maize.
Historical Record
Maize first appeared in US Social Security records in 2012.
Over 90 babies have been named Maize in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Maize is a new entry on the US charts , currently ranked #5,416 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Maize originated in southern Mexico from a wild grass called teosinte, domesticated over 9,000 years ago
- In the Maya creation story Popol Vuh, the first humans were made from maize, making it a divine and sacred plant
Maize in Other Languages
Taino
Mahiz
French
Maïs
English
Maize
Spanish
Maíz
Portuguese
Milho
Popularity Over Time
#5,416
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
New Entry
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Maize
M
Maize
Other
The sacred crop of Mesoamerican civilizations, central to Maya and Aztec mythology and culture
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Compare Maize with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #5,416
- Total SSA Count
- 18
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Nicknames
Mai
May
Maie
Maikins
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Maize
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Maize
Phonetic neighbors that share Maize's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
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Also a Girl Name
Maize is also used as a girl name, ranked #6556.
View Maize as a girl name →Similar Names
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Old French frisé origin
"curly-haired"
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Old English origin
"from Chester, the walled city"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maize
What does the name Maize mean?
"corn, golden grain" (from Taino). "the sacred crop" (from Indigenous American). Maize comes from the Taino word mahiz, which Caribbean Indigenous peoples used to describe what we now call corn. Spanish explorers borrowed the word in the 15th century, and it entered English as maize—the standard scientific and British English term for corn. As a given name, Maize belongs to the earthy nature-name movement, alongside names like River, Birch, Sage, and Clover. Its golden color association adds warmth and brightness.
What is the origin of the name Maize?
Maize has Taino, Indigenous American, American, and English origins. In Taino, it means "corn, golden grain". In Indigenous American, it means "the sacred crop".
Is Maize a boy or girl name?
Maize is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #5416. As a girl name, it is ranked #6556. Maize is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Maize?
Maize is pronounced m-AYZ.
How popular is the name Maize?
Maize is currently ranked #5416 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Maize?
Common nicknames for Maize include Mai, May, Maie, and Maikins.
What are good middle names for Maize?
Popular middle name pairings include Maize River, Maize James, Maize Elliott, Maize Grey, Maize Thomas, Maize August, and Maize Cole.
What are good sibling names for Maize?
Names that pair well with Maize as siblings include Rye, Sage, Wren, Scout, Birch, Clover, and Cedar.
How many syllables does Maize have?
Maize has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Maize a common or rare name?
Maize is an uncommon name, ranked #5416 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Maize
Maize is a boy name with American and English origins . The name means "corn, golden grain" in Taino .
Is Maize a boy or girl name? Maize is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #5,416 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #6,556. Maize is more commonly used as a boy name.
Maize is currently ranked #5,416 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Maize has 1 syllable and is pronounced m-AYZ, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Maize include Mai, May, Maie, and Maikins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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