Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Maia originates from Greek, meaning 'great' or 'mother.' It has evolved from ancient Greek to modern English and is associated with nurturing traits. There is no biblical relevance. Maia has gained popularity in recent centuries and is well-regarded for its elegance and connection to nature.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmaɪə/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Maia is derived from the Greek word 'maia,' which means 'great' or 'mother.' In mythology, Maia was one of the Pleiades and the mother of Hermes.
Meaning
great, mother
Language Evolution
Maia (Greek), Maia (Latin), Maia (English)
Historical Usage
The name Maia has been used since ancient times, gaining popularity in the modern era, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries due to its association with mythology and nature.
Variants & Derivatives
Maya, Maïa, Maja
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Maia is perceived as a gentle and nurturing name, often associated with femininity and nature, appealing to parents seeking a unique yet classic choice.
Famous People
Maia Mitchell, Maia Sandu
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 752 peak births in 2022
Geographic Spread
Popular across 43 US states, with strongest presence in Hawaii
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (6 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 6 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4435th of 12526 | 149 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1683rd of 19264 | 910 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1474th of 27321 | 1,587 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 607th of 35406 | 7,542 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 517th of 30306 | 7,293 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - |
79.68% 2211th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
51.04% 1499th/2937 |
45.79% 1595th/3483 |
67.54% 2376th/3518 |
34.00% 1375th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
43.04% 1586th/3685 |
28.25% 1264th/4475 |
34.87% 1811th/5194 |
21.91% 1384th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
12.99% 595th/4582 |
8.17% 422nd/5164 |
10.78% 788th/7313 |
7.28% 543rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
17.42% 694th/3984 |
8.11% 364th/4487 |
8.87% 605th/6822 |
6.63% 416th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Hawaii across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4435th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1683rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1474th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 607th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 517th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.