Maya: name meaning, origin & popularity
- Meaning
- “uncertain; often illusion or water”
- Origin
- Unknown
- Say it
- MY-uh · 2 syllables
- Used for
- Girls
Maya has several origins: Sanskrit Māyā means 'illusion,' while it is also used as a form of Maia and in some languages linked with water. Because this spelling has multiple independent sources, its etymology is uncertain. The origin of this name is not settled among etymologists.
How popular is Maya?
Babies named Maya in 20244,220
2024 rank#51 girls
Peak year2006
Total US babies since 1880120,002
Maya has been fairly stable over the last fifteen years.
Names like Maya
Variants, related forms and names with the same roots.
- Maiagreat one; mother · Greek
- Avauncertain; possibly bird or life · Unknown
- Ailanyuncertain · Unknown
- Alanauncertain; often linked to little rock or handsome · Unknown
- Leiauncertain; often used as a form of Leah · Unknown
- Londonfrom London, place name · Unknown
- Nayeliuncertain; often said to mean I love you · Unknown
- Elorauncertain; perhaps from Eliora or Laura · Unknown
Maya questions
What does the name Maya mean?
Maya means "uncertain; often illusion or water". It comes from Unknown. Maya has several origins: Sanskrit Māyā means 'illusion,' while it is also used as a form of Maia and in some languages linked with water. Because this spelling has multiple independent sources, its etymology is uncertain.
Is Maya a boy or girl name?
Maya is mainly a girl's name in US records (100% of uses since 1880).
How popular is Maya?
4,220 US babies were named Maya in 2024. Its peak year was 2006.
How do you pronounce Maya?
Maya is usually pronounced MY-uh.
Birth counts: US Social Security Administration national data, 1880–2024 (names given to 5+ babies of a sex in a year). How we write meanings.