What does Maui mean and where does it come from?
Maui is a name rich in cultural significance, associated with bravery and trickery in myths. The name is commonly used in Hawaiian culture and associated with the natural beauty and spirit of the island itself. The name has gained global popularity due to modern media influences, including films whe
Cultural significance
Maui has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaii-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hawaiian.
Peak popularity
Reached #8652 in 2020 — currently #14649 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hawaii-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Maui?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Maui?
Maui works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maui Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Maui John
One syllable · timeless choice
Maui Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Maui Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Maui Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Maui Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Maui right now?
Falling — down 8536 spots — currently #14649 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2024 | #14649 | 6 | ▼ down 8536 · -60% births |
| 2023 | #6113 | 15 | ▼ down 332 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #5781 | 16 | ▼ down 1199 · -27% births |
| 2021 | #4582 | 22 | ▲ up 4070 · +83% births |
| 2020 | #8652 | 12 | ▲ up 5062 · +71% births |
| 2015 | #13714 | 7 | — |
The story of Maui
Maui is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2004. With 276 total births recorded, Maui remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #13714 in 2015 to #6113 in 2023. Maui is used for both genders: 35% female and 65% male.
Names that peaked alongside Maui in 2020:
💎Maui has only 276 total recorded births since 2004 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Maui?
What names sound and feel like Maui?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maui also consider these
How is Maui written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Maui
What does the name Maui mean?
Maui means "Hawaiian" — a name rooted in Hawaii 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 Maui?
Maui is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Maui?
Maui originates from Hawaii tradition. Hawaii 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 Maui?
Maui is a two-syllable name pronounced MOW-ee. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Maui a common or rare name?
Maui is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.