Maia

“mother, nurse” — Associated with the goddess of spring and growth

Greece origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#459US 2023

672Births / yr

↓Falling

14.6kAll-time births

📅 Since 195000.04% of births at peak

What does Maia mean and where does it come from?

Maia originates from ancient Greek mythology, where Maia was one of the seven Pleiades and also the mother of Hermes. In Roman culture, she was associated with the goddess of spring and growth, celebrating fertility. The name is popular in various cultures today, including Greece and Romania. It has

Cultural significance

Maia has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of mother, nurse.

Peak popularity

Reached #485 in 2017 — currently #459 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Maia?

Maia works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Maia Grace

How popular is Maia right now?

Declining — down 39 spots — currently #459 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1950–2023#459 · Top 0.34%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#459	672	▼ down 39 · -11% births
2022	#420	752	▲ up 15 · +4% births
2021	#435	724	▲ up 63 · +19% births
2020	#498	609	▲ up 53 · +9% births
2015	#551	561	▲ up 68 · +18% births
2010	#619	475	▼ down 95 · -15% births
2005	#524	558	▲ up 25 · +17% births
2000	#549	475	▲ up 479 · +167% births
1995	#1028	178	▲ up 825 · +131% births
1990	#1853	77	▼ down 374 · -8% births
1985	#1479	84	▼ down 313 · -28% births
1980	#1166	116	▲ up 272 · +59% births
1975	#1438	73	▲ up 312 · +40% births
1970	#1750	52	▲ up 1282 · +189% births
1965	#3032	18	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Maia

Best Year2022Rank #420

Peak Count752

Average Rank#1747

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1950 - 202318 years

The story of Maia

Maia entered American naming records in 1950 and has been in use for over 74 years. A total of 14,632 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5280 in 1950 to #459 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Maia in 2017:

Emma Olivia Ava Isabella Sophia

Maia by decade

Maia peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1950s	58
1960s	217
1970s	668
1980s	728
1990s	2,188
2000s	5,053
2010s ★	5,111
2020s	609

What are good nicknames for Maia?

Common

MaiieMaiy

What names sound and feel like Maia?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maia also consider these

Hawaiian · Sea, ocean

Maria

Hebrew · Bitterness; sea of

Malia

American · calm, peaceful

Common questions about the name Maia

What does the name Maia mean?

Maia means "mother, nurse" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Maia?

Maia is currently ranked #459 in the United States as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Maia have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Maia?

Maia originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How does Maia sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Maia flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Maia ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.

Is Maia trending right now?

Maia is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.