Maya
Female nameSanskrit
✨ Meaning
Maya has roots in multiple cultures. In Sanskrit and Hindu philosophy, Maya means 'illusion' or 'magic,' referring to the divine power that creates the phenomenal world. In Hebrew, it may derive from 'mayim,' meaning 'water.' In Greek mythology, Maia was a Pleiad and mother of Hermes. The name is thus rich with mystical, natural, and mythological meanings.
🌍 Origin
Maya holds significance across cultures: as a divine concept in Hinduism and Buddhism representing cosmic illusion; as the name of the ancient Mayan civilization of Central America; and as a Hebrew name. The poet Maya Angelou brought the name powerful cultural resonance in American literature and civil rights history.
📈 Popularity Trend
⭐ Famous People Named Maya
- Maya Angelou
- Maya Rudolph
- Maya Lin
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does Maya mean?
Maya means 'illusion' or 'magic' in Sanskrit, 'water' in Hebrew, and is associated with the Maia of Greek mythology. Its multicultural meanings make it uniquely rich.
Is Maya a popular name?
Maya has been in the top 65 US girl names for many years and is popular across cultures due to its multifaceted meanings and the legacy of Maya Angelou.
What are similar names to Maya?
Similar names include Mia, Maia, Zara, Luna, and Isla — all short, multicultural names with mystical or natural associations.
Baby Name Books We Recommend
As an Amazon Associate, BabyNameDex earns from qualifying purchases.