Maui

♂ Boy

Pronounced MOW-ee /ˈmaʊ.i/Medium

Meaning: From the Polynesian demigod Maui — the legendary trickster hero who fished up islands and snared the sun; also the Hawaiian island; a mythic/place-nameLow

In 30 seconds: A demigod hero; an island: Maui is the Polynesian trickster-hero and the Hawaiian island. Bold, lively, and warm (said 'MOW-ee').

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Origin LowHawaiian, Polynesian

MeaningFrom the Polynesian demigod Maui — the legendary trickster hero who fished up islands and snared the sun; also the Hawaiian island; a mythic/place-name

U.S. rank (2025)#5332 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births18 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 267

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Maui comes from Polynesian mythology — Maui, the mischievous, mighty demigod and culture hero who fished up islands from the sea, snared the sun to lengthen the day, and won fire for humankind — and it is also the name of the second-largest Hawaiian island, named for him. A bold, lively mythic/place-name (the muscular demigod of Disney's Moana; said 'MOW-ee').

In the U.S. it appears in Pacific Islander families. Rare, a-demigod-hero at the root, and lively.

Did you know? Maui is the legendary Polynesian demigod and trickster hero — who fished up islands and lassoed the sun — and the name of a Hawaiian island — a bold, lively mythic/place-name (the hero of Disney's Moana; said 'MOW-ee').

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Maui — mythic/place-name

Variations

Maui

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Maui…

Kai— a fellow Hawaiian boys' name

Koa— a companion Hawaiian boys' name

Keanu— another Hawaiian boys' name

Makoa— a fellow Hawaiian boys' name

Explore names like Maui

By themeuncertain place-name hawaiian mythological polynesian

By meaningSun

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Maui mean?

Maui is the Polynesian demigod trickster-hero and a Hawaiian island; a mythic/place-name.

How do you pronounce Maui?

It's said MOW-ee /ˈmaʊ.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Maui a boy or girl name?

Maui is a boy's name.

How popular is Maui?

Maui is a rare name in the U.S.