What does Maya mean and where does it come from?
Maya is a name prevalent across various cultures with different meanings. In Hebrew, it symbolizes water, a vital source of life, and in Sanskrit, it represents the concept of illusion, layers of reality, or the world as a place of dreams. The Maya civilization in Central America also lends cultural
Cultural significance
Maya has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #51 in 2024 — currently #62 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Maya?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Maya?
Maya works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maya Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Maya Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Maya Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Maya Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Maya Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Maya Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Maya right now?
Declining — down 11 spots — currently #62 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #62 | 3,712 | ▼ down 11 · -12% births |
| 2024 | #51 | 4,230 | ▼ down 1 · +4% births |
| 2023 | #50 | 4,085 | ▲ up 1 · -4% births |
| 2022 | #51 | 4,244 | ▲ up 4 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #55 | 4,080 | ▲ up 6 · +10% births |
| 2020 | #61 | 3,696 | ▲ up 7 · -10% births |
| 2015 | #68 | 4,125 | ▼ down 2 · +4% births |
| 2010 | #66 | 3,967 | ▲ up 7 · -10% births |
| 2005 | #73 | 4,428 | ▲ up 40 · +47% births |
| 2000 | #113 | 3,017 | ▲ up 114 · +143% births |
| 1995 | #227 | 1,240 | ▲ up 172 · +90% births |
| 1990 | #399 | 651 | ▲ up 298 · +159% births |
| 1985 | #697 | 251 | ▼ down 188 · -37% births |
| 1980 | #509 | 397 | ▲ up 250 · +112% births |
| 1975 | #759 | 187 | — |
The story of Maya
Maya entered American naming records in 1940 and has been in use for over 84 years. Its peak popularity was #57 in 2006. More than 103,192 babies have been named Maya since 1940. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5002 in 1940 to #50 in 2023. Maya is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Maya in 2024:
Maya by decade
Maya peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 25 | |
| 1950s | 111 | |
| 1960s | 431 | |
| 1970s | 2,143 | |
| 1980s | 3,009 | |
| 1990s | 13,991 | |
| 2000s ★ | 40,093 | |
| 2010s | 39,688 | |
| 2020s | 11,643 | |
What are good nicknames for Maya?
Famous people named Maya
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Maya (historical community leader)
Maya led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
M(
Maya (historical figure)
Maya bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Maya?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maya also consider these
Common questions about the name Maya
What does the name Maya mean?
Maya means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Maya?
Maya is currently ranked #50 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Maya?
Maya originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Maya?
Maya is a two-syllable name pronounced MEYE-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Maya more of a girl or boy name?
Maya is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.