Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Maia
GirlGreek, Latin· “mother, nurse”
- Meaning
- mother, nurse
- Origin
- Greek, Latin
- Pronunciation
- MY-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #433
- US babies 2025
- 715
- Best rank
- #420 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Maia
Maia is a Greek and Latin name that is usually said to mean “mother, nurse”.
Maia comes from Greek mythology, where Maia is the eldest of the Pleiades, the seven daughters of Atlas, and the mother of the god Hermes. Her name is usually connected with a Greek word meaning "mother" or "nurse". The Romans had a separate goddess of spring named Maia, and the month of May is traditionally said to be named after her. One of the stars in the Pleiades cluster also bears the name. Maia is pronounced MY-uh or MAY-uh, and it is closely related to Maya, which has other origins. It sounds light, soft and classical.
Other spellings with the same sound: Maya.
Popularity over time
Maia first appears in US Social Security records in 1950. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 30 different years, starting in 1996. Its best national rank was #420 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 752 babies. In 2025, 715 babies were named Maia, and it ranked #433 nationally. That is 27% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #5,071 in 1950, #1,165 in 1980, #550 in 2000, #620 in 2010, and #433 in 2025. Of the 18,200 US girls named Maia since records began, 28% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 5,057 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Zariah, Xiomara, Mylah, Saige, and Maren.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Maia ranked highest in Hawaii, New Hampshire, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #151 | 6 |
| New Hampshire | #195 | 7 |
| Florida | #205 | 92 |
| Connecticut | #244 | 14 |
| Massachusetts | #257 | 23 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Maia is usually pronounced MY-uh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with M and ends in “-ia”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Maya.
Middle names for Maia
A few middle names that flow with Maia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Maia
Similar names
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Lists that include Maia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Maia mean?
Maia is a Greek and Latin name that is usually said to mean “mother, nurse”.
What is the origin of the name Maia?
Maia has Greek and Latin roots. Maia comes from Greek mythology, where Maia is the eldest of the Pleiades, the seven daughters of Atlas, and the mother of the god Hermes.
Is Maia a popular name?
Yes. Maia ranked #433 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Maia a boy or girl name?
Maia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Maia?
Maia is usually pronounced MY-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings