Mya

♀ Girl

Pronounced MY-ah /ˈmaɪ.ə/High

Meaning: Variant of Mia and Maya; may derive from Latin 'maior' (great), from the Roman goddess Maia, or from Burmese meaning 'emerald'; used interchangeably as a spelling variant of these namesMedium

In 30 seconds: Mya is a sleek, modern spelling of Mia or Maya that carries multiple possible meanings — from the Roman goddess Maia to the Burmese word for emerald. Simple, beautiful, and timeless.

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Origin MediumLatin, Greek, Burmese

MeaningVariant of Mia and Maya; may derive from Latin 'maior' (great), from the Roman goddess Maia, or from Burmese meaning 'emerald'; used interchangeably as a spelling variant of these names

U.S. rank (2025)#444 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births697 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2009

Total births (all-time)≈ 62,292

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Mya is a variant spelling of Mia and Maya, names with overlapping origins. Maya derives from the Roman goddess Maia, associated with spring and growth, and possibly from Latin maior (great). It also coincides with a Burmese word meaning emerald, a Sanskrit word meaning illusion, and a Hebrew name meaning water. Mya emerged as a phonetic respelling that simplifies the visual form.

The Mya spelling gained traction in the 1990s and 2000s, particularly in the United States. It offers the same sound as Maya or Mia in a distinctive two-letter variation. R&B artist Mýa contributed to its cultural profile during this period. The name remains popular across diverse communities.

Did you know? R&B singer Mýa Harrison, known simply as Mýa, helped bring attention to this spelling in the late 1990s with hits like 'Case of the Ex' — adding a cool, musical association to the name.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name — Maya — etymology for the Maya/Mya name familyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MayaMiaMaiaMyah

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Mýa Harrison (1979–present)
American R&B singer known professionally as Mýa

If you like Mya…

Maya— the most common spelling of the same name with the same sound

Mia— shares the M-vowel-a simplicity and multi-cultural appeal

Nia— equally short and sleek with a similar flowing feminine quality

Zara— another crisp, two-syllable girls' name with international appeal

Frequently Asked

What does Mya mean?

Mya is a variant of Maya and Mia, with meanings ranging from 'great one' (Latin Maia) to 'emerald' (Burmese) and 'illusion' (Sanskrit).

How do you pronounce Mya?

Mya is pronounced MY-ah /ˈmaɪ.ə/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Mya the same as Maya?

They are pronounced the same way. Mya is an alternate spelling of Maya (or Mia), differing only in its written form.

Is Mya a popular girls' name?

Yes. Mya has been a consistent presence in the U.S. top 200 girls' names since the late 1990s, popularized in part by R&B artist Mýa.