"great one, mother"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Meia
Meia is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "great one, mother." Ranked #21,910 in the US, popular nicknames include Mei.
A Pleiades star brought down to earth
Portuguese
Brazilian
Greek
Soft
International
Modern
Luminous
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"middle, half"
Origin: Portuguese
Language: Portuguese
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The Story of Meia
Meia is a variant of Maia/Maya, a name with ancient roots in multiple traditions. In Greek mythology, Maia was the eldest and most beautiful of the seven Pleiades — the daughters of Atlas and Pleione — and became the mother of Hermes by Zeus. In Roman tradition, the month of May bears her name. In Portuguese, 'meia' also means 'half' or 'medium,' and shares the soft musicality of Mia. The name resonates across Brazilian, Portuguese, and Mediterranean cultures as a gentle, luminous choice.
Variants of Maya/Mia/Meia have been among the most internationally consistent rising names of the 21st century, beloved for their soft sounds and cross-cultural accessibility. Meia's spelling gives it a Brazilian-Portuguese feel that distinguishes it within this popular name family.
In Greek mythology, Maia was a mountain nymph of great beauty who lived a quiet, hidden life. Her association with spring, growth, and nurturing has made this name family eternally appealing across cultures that value natural beauty and quiet strength.
Historical Record
Meia first appeared in US Social Security records in 1979.
Over 430 babies have been named Meia in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Meia is past its peak , currently ranked #21,910 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The month of May is named after the Roman goddess Maia, who was honored each spring with ceremonies on May 1st
- The Pleiades star cluster — where Maia shines — has been used for navigation by cultures from the Pacific Islands to ancient Greece
Meia in Other Languages
Greek
Μαία
Spanish
Maya/Maia
Japanese
マイア
Portuguese
Meia/Maia
Popularity Over Time
#21,910
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1981
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Meia
M
Maia Mitchell
Actor
1993
Australian actress known for The Fosters and Good Trouble
M
Maia
Religious
Greek goddess, eldest of the Pleiades and mother of Hermes
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #21,910
- Total SSA Count
- 7
- Cultural Origins
- Portuguese Brazilian Greek
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mei
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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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-3 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, modern style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, modern style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Distinctive pick, modern style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, modern style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-3 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Meia
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Portuguese)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Meia
What does the name Meia mean?
"great one, mother" (from Greek). "middle, half" (from Portuguese). Meia is a variant of Maia/Maya, a name with ancient roots in multiple traditions. In Greek mythology, Maia was the eldest and most beautiful of the seven Pleiades — the daughters of Atlas and Pleione — and became the mother of Hermes by Zeus. In Roman tradition, the month of May bears her name. In Portuguese, 'meia' also means 'half' or 'medium,' and shares the soft musicality of Mia. The name resonates across Brazilian, Portuguese, and Mediterranean cultures as a gentle, luminous choice.
What is the origin of the name Meia?
Meia has Greek, Portuguese, and Brazilian origins. In Greek, it means "great one, mother". In Portuguese, it means "middle, half".
Is Meia a boy or girl name?
Meia is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Meia?
Meia is currently ranked #21910 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Meia?
Common nicknames for Meia include Mei.
What are good middle names for Meia?
Popular middle name pairings include Meia Rose, Meia Grace, Meia Sofia, Meia Luna, and Meia Celeste.
What are good sibling names for Meia?
Names that pair well with Meia as siblings include Luna, Isla, Luca, and Mateo.
How many syllables does Meia have?
Meia has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Meia a common or rare name?
Meia is an uncommon name, ranked #21910 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Meia
Meia is a girl name with Portuguese, Brazilian, and Greek origins . The name means "great one, mother" in Greek .
Meia is currently ranked #21,910 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Meia has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Meia include Mei. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Meia include Meilani, Mei, Meira, Meila . 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