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Home › Baby Names Directory › Maitri

Maitri

♀ Girl

Pronounced MY-tree /ˈmaɪ.tɹi/High

Meaning: From Sanskrit maitri, 'loving-kindness, friendliness, benevolence' - the Pali equivalent is metta. It names one of the four immeasurable virtues in Buddhism and is a valued quality in Hindu and Jain thought as well.Medium

In 30 seconds: A virtue name: Maitri is Sanskrit for 'loving-kindness' (said 'MY-tree').
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Origin MediumSanskrit
MeaningFrom Sanskrit maitri, 'loving-kindness, friendliness, benevolence' - the Pali equivalent is metta. It names one of the four immeasurable virtues in Buddhism and is a valued quality in Hindu and Jain thought as well.
U.S. rank (2023)#16689 ↘ Falling
2023 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 107

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200720002023

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Maitri is a Sanskrit word meaning 'loving-kindness, friendliness, benevolence,' from the root that also gives mitra, 'friend.' In Buddhism it is the first of the four brahmaviharas or immeasurable virtues, known in Pali as metta and cultivated as an active wish for the wellbeing of all beings; it is honoured in Hindu and Jain teaching too. As a given name it carries that meaning directly, and we present it with respect for its place in living religious practice (said 'MY-tree').

It appears only in very small numbers in the U.S. Rare, gentle, and virtue-rooted.

Did you know? Maitri is the first of the four immeasurables in Buddhist practice - a wish for the happiness of all beings without exception, cultivated deliberately in meditation.
Overall data confidence 60%
References - Maitri — Sanskrit maitri 'loving-kindness'; Pali metta; Buddhist brahmavihara

Variations

MaitreyiMettaMaitrey

Nicknames

MaiMimiTri

Famous Bearers

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If you like Maitri…

Shanti— a like Sanskrit virtue name
Priya— a like Sanskrit girls' name
Mira— a like short Indian pick
Mishri— shares Maitri's Sanskrit roots
Gauri— shares Maitri's Sanskrit roots

Explore names like Maitri

By themesanskritgentlevirtue-namebuddhist
By meaningGentle / Kind

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Maitri mean?

Maitri is Sanskrit for 'loving-kindness, benevolence' - metta in Pali, one of the four immeasurable virtues in Buddhism.

How do you pronounce Maitri?

It's said MY-tree /ˈmaɪ.tɹi/ - two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Maitri a boy or girl name?

Maitri is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Maitri?

Maitri is extremely rare in the U.S.

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