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.
🌿
Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Maia Rose
Floral · soft ending
Maia Claire
French influence · crisp
Maia Jane
Literary · strong
Maia Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Maia right now?
Declining — down 39 spots — currently #459 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
What names sound and feel like Maia?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maia also consider these
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.