Maya

What does the baby name Maya mean? Learn about what Maya means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Maya - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Maya: M-A-Y-A, is a 4-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Maya: MAY-ə; MIE-ə; MAY ah; MY ah; MAH yah
Meaning of Maya: Industrious, great, born in the month of may, the material universe, mother.
Origin of Maya: The name 'Maya' has multiple origins and can be found in various cultures around the world. It is derived from different sources, each with its own unique meaning and significance. In Sanskrit, 'Maya' means 'illusion' or 'magic'. In Hebrew, it is a variant of the name 'Maia', which means 'great' or 'mother'. Additionally, 'Maya' is also a traditional name among the indigenous people of Central America, particularly the Maya civilization.; American Names; Arabic Names; Basque Names; Bulgarian Names; English Names; Ethiopian Names; Greek Names; Hindi Names; Indian Names; Japanese Names; Latin Names; Literary Names; Muslim Names; Mythological Names; Navarre Names; Roman Names; Sanskrit Names; Spanish Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Maya: Mae; Maia; May; Maye; Mya
Popularity of Maya: The name 'Maya' has gained popularity in recent years and has become a common choice for parents naming their daughters. It consistently ranks high on baby name popularity charts in many countries. Its appeal may be attributed to its simplicity, elegance, and multicultural origins. 'Maya' has a timeless quality that appeals to a wide range of parents seeking a name that is both traditional and modern.; Maya currently has 1202 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked girl's names. The name Courtney is slightly more popular than Maya.

Etymology of Maya

As mentioned earlier, the etymology of 'Maya' varies depending on its cultural origin. In Sanskrit, 'Maya' is derived from the word 'maya', which means 'illusion' or 'magic'. This reflects the concept of the illusory nature of the physical world in Hindu philosophy. In Hebrew, 'Maya' is a variant of 'Maia', which is derived from the Hebrew word 'ma 'ayan', meaning 'spring' or 'source of water'. This signifies abundance and fertility.

Cultural Significance of Maya

The cultural significance of the name 'Maya' is intertwined with its various origins. In Hinduism, 'Maya' represents the illusory nature of the physical world and the concept of divine illusion. It is also associated with the Hindu goddess Maya, who is the personification of cosmic illusion and creativity. In Hebrew culture, 'Maya' is associated with greatness and motherhood, symbolizing the nurturing and caring qualities of a mother figure. Among the Maya civilization, the name holds historical and cultural significance, representing their rich heritage and ancient civilization.