Maia

♀ Girl

Pronounced MY-ah /ˈmaɪ.ə/High

Meaning: From Greek Maia, one of the seven Pleiades and mother of Hermes; her name relates to greatness or nursing mother; the month of May is named after herHigh

In 30 seconds: Maia is a radiant name from Greek and Roman mythology meaning 'great one' — the Pleiad who became the mother of Hermes, giver of her name to the month of May, and forever a symbol of spring's promise.

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Origin HighGreek, Roman

MeaningFrom Greek Maia, one of the seven Pleiades and mother of Hermes; her name relates to greatness or nursing mother; the month of May is named after her

U.S. rank (2025)#433 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births715 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 18,196

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Maia was the eldest and most beautiful of the seven Pleiades in Greek mythology, daughter of Atlas and Pleione. She was the secret lover of Zeus and mother of Hermes. The Romans identified her as a goddess of spring and growth.

As a given name, Maia offers an elegant, mythological alternative to the ubiquitous Maya. It has been in use in the English-speaking world and is rising as parents discover its celestial beauty.

Did you know? The month of May takes its name from the Roman goddess Maia, a goddess of growth and spring, whose festival was celebrated on May 1 — making Maia the only first name that directly names a calendar month.

Overall data confidence 92%

Behind the Name — Maia — mythology and etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MayaMajaMae

Nicknames

MayMaia

Famous Bearers

★Maia (mythology) (mythological)
Eldest of the Pleiades in Greek mythology; mother of Hermes by Zeus; the month of May is named for her.

If you like Maia…

Maya— the most common spelling variant, sharing the same sound and Greco-Roman roots

Clio— fellow Pleiad and classical Greek mythological name with the same ethereal charm

Thalia— another Pleiad sharing the same celestial mythological heritage

Luna— shares the celestial mythological feel and the same bright, luminous quality

Frequently Asked

What does the name Maia mean?

Maia means great one or nursing mother from Greek mythology; she was the eldest Pleiad and mother of Hermes.

How do you pronounce Maia?

It is said MY-ah /ˈmaɪ.ə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Maia the same as Maya?

Maia and Maya are variants; Maia is the classical Greek and Roman spelling while Maya has additional Hindu and other cultural meanings.

Is the month of May named after Maia?

Yes, the month of May is named after the Roman goddess Maia, a deity of growth and spring.