Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Maite
GirlBasque, Spanish· “beloved (Basque); María Teresa”
- Meaning
- beloved (Basque); María Teresa
- Origin
- Basque, Spanish
- Pronunciation
- MY-tay
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,195
- US babies 2025
- 193
- Best rank
- #1,024 (2011)
- Peak year
- 2011
Meaning and origin of Maite
Maite is a Basque and Spanish name that is usually said to mean “beloved (Basque); María Teresa”.
Maite has two recognized sources. In Basque, maite means "beloved" or "dear," and it is used as a given name in the Basque Country. In Spanish, Maite is also a common contraction of María Teresa, joining two traditional names into one. Both explanations are widely accepted, and they have blended together in everyday use. Pronounced MY-tay, the name is short, affectionate and easy to say. It is used across Spain and Latin America, and it offers a warm alternative to more common names. Maite suits parents who want a name with a gentle meaning and a strong cultural identity.
Popularity over time
Maite first appears in US Social Security records in 1968. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,024 in 2011, the same year it reached its highest count of 244 babies. In 2025, 193 babies were named Maite, and it ranked #1,195 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #6,583 in 1980, #2,499 in 2000, #1,305 in 2010, and #1,195 in 2025. Of the 4,466 US girls named Maite since records began, 41% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,102 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lillyanna, Shaila, Ailyn, Suri, and Jaleah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Maite ranked highest in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #297 | 20 |
| New Jersey | #522 | 15 |
| Connecticut | #589 | 5 |
| Texas | #792 | 38 |
| Oklahoma | #797 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Maite is usually pronounced MY-tay, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with M and ends in “-te”.
Middle names for Maite
A few middle names that flow with Maite: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Maite
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Lists that include Maite
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Maite mean?
Maite is a Basque and Spanish name that is usually said to mean “beloved (Basque); María Teresa”.
What is the origin of the name Maite?
Maite has Basque and Spanish roots. Maite has two recognized sources.
Is Maite a popular name?
Not especially. Maite ranked #1,195 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Maite a boy or girl name?
Maite is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Maite?
Maite is usually pronounced MY-tay. 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