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Girl

Maya

water, or gift of God

Origin

Hebrew

Used in

en

Origin and meaning of Maya

Maya has multiple overlapping roots: in Hebrew it relates to Maayan/Miryam and water, in Greek mythology it names the mother of Hermes, in Sanskrit it means 'illusion', and it's also the name of the ancient Mesoamerican civilization. This layered background makes it one of the most cross-cultural girls' names worldwide, appearing steadily in SSA data. Parents love its short, sweet sound and its multicultural identity.

Variants around the world

How Maya sounds in other languages.

MaiaMajaMya

Famous people

  • Maya Angelou— writer

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Frequently asked questions

What does the name Maya mean?

The name Maya means water, or gift of God.

What is the origin of the name Maya?

Origin of Maya: Hebrew.

What are the international variants of the name Maya?

International variants of Maya: Maia, Maja, and Mya.