Maisha

“Life”

Swahili-speaking countries origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#5489US 2023

23Births / yr

↑Rising

1.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 196800.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Maisha

MEYE·SHAH

/ˈmaɪ.ˈʃɑ/ · stress on MEYE · 2 syllables

“Life”

Swahili-speaking countries origin · Girl name

What does Maisha mean and where does it come from?

Maisha is a Swahili name that means 'life'. It is commonly used in East African countries, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania, embedded in the region's rich cultural and linguistic heritage. The name is popular among both Muslims and Christians in the area, capturing themes of vitality and existence

Cultural significance

Maisha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Swahili-speaking countries-speaking communities, where it reflects values of life.

Peak popularity

Reached #1127 in 1977 — currently #5489 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Maisha?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Mysha

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Maisha?

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

Maisha Grace

How popular is Maisha right now?

Rising fast — up 1391 spots — currently #5489 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#5489 · Top 4.1%

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#5489	23	▲ up 1391 · +35% births
2022	#6880	17	▼ down 1199 · -23% births
2021	#5681	22	stable · +5% births
2020	#5681	21	▲ up 1657 · +31% births
2015	#7338	16	▼ down 632 · -16% births
2010	#6706	19	▼ down 1377 · -21% births
2005	#5329	24	▲ up 714 · +33% births
2000	#6043	18	▼ down 2781 · -49% births
1995	#3262	35	▲ up 517 · +25% births
1990	#3779	28	▼ down 933 · -15% births
1985	#2846	33	▼ down 1022 · -45% births
1980	#1824	60	▼ down 450 · -23% births
1975	#1374	78	▲ up 1270 · +179% births
1970	#2644	28	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Maisha

Best Year1975Rank #1374

Peak Count78

Average Rank#4634

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1970 - 202314 years

The story of Maisha

Maisha is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1968. With 1,815 total births recorded, Maisha remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2644 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #5489 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Maisha in 1977:

Jennifer Melissa Amy Jessica Heather

Maisha by decade

Maisha peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	23
1970s ★	737
1980s	365
1990s	283
2000s	230
2010s	156
2020s	21

💎With 1,815 total births, Maisha is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Maisha?

Common

MaiMaieMayIsha

What names sound and feel like Maisha?

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

Maiysha

USA · Gift of God

Maitha

United Arab Emirates · Arabic

Maiha

Japan · A dance in

Marsha

American · of the sea

Makisha

American · God has been

Arabic · Alive, prosperous, living

Common questions about the name Maisha

What does the name Maisha mean?

Maisha means "Life" — a name rooted in Swahili-speaking countries 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 Maisha?

Maisha is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Maisha have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Maisha?

Maisha originates from Swahili-speaking countries tradition. Swahili-speaking countries names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Maisha?

Maisha is a two-syllable name pronounced M AY1 SH AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Maisha trending right now?

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