Girl · 54th of 30,306
Maya
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
120,002
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2006
Peak Popularity Year
5,053
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Maya stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Maya originates from the Sanskrit word meaning 'illusion' or 'magic', reflecting deep philosophical concepts. It has evolved through various languages and cultures, retaining its mystical connotation. The name is associated with creativity and strength, has no biblical relevance, and is popular due to its modern and multicultural appeal.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmaɪə/
Origin
Sanskrit
Etymology
The name Maya is derived from the Sanskrit word 'māyā', which means 'illusion' or 'magic'. In Hindu philosophy, it refers to the concept of the illusion that the material world is separate from the spiritual one.
Meaning
Illusion, magic
Language Evolution
Sanskrit: माया (māyā), Pali: माया (māyā), Latin: Maja, Spanish: Maya
Historical Usage
The name Maya gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Western cultures, as interest in Eastern philosophies and religions grew.
Variants & Derivatives
Maja, Maia, Maya Angelou
Modern Popularity & Image
In contemporary times, Maya is perceived as a modern and multicultural name, often associated with creativity, spirituality, and strength. It has become popular in various cultures worldwide.
Famous People
Maya Angelou, Maya Rudolph, Maya Hawke
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 5,053 peak births in 2006
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 6 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 10718th of 10718 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 11250th of 16616 | 23 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 8451st of 24088 | 117 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 17079th of 23106 | 18 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 7328th of 9204 | 15 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3170th of 12526 | 263 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 799th of 19264 | 2,823 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 421st of 27321 | 9,360 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 87th of 35406 | 59,218 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 54th of 30306 | 48,160 |