Maze

♂ Boy

Pronounced MAYZ /meɪz/High

Meaning: From Middle English maze, meaning a labyrinth or state of bewilderment; used as a modern given name for its strong monosyllabic soundMedium

In 30 seconds: Maze is a bold, monosyllabic word name with Middle English roots meaning 'labyrinth' or 'bewilderment.' As a given name it is rare and striking, conveying mystery, complexity, and strength — a name for a child parents see as full of fascinating depth.

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Origin MediumMiddle English

MeaningFrom Middle English maze, meaning a labyrinth or state of bewilderment; used as a modern given name for its strong monosyllabic sound

U.S. rank (2024)#3186 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births38 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 297

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Maze as a word derives from Middle English maze or masen, meaning to stupefy, bewilder, or confuse, with possible roots in Old Norse or Old English. The noun maze, meaning a labyrinth or network of passages, entered common use in the 14th century. Garden mazes became fashionable in Renaissance Europe and especially in England from the 16th century onward, cementing the word in cultural imagination.

As a given name, Maze is part of the modern trend of using evocative English words as names, alongside River, Storm, and Wilder. It is extremely rare as a legal given name but has a cool, mysterious personality that appeals to parents seeking something genuinely unique. It may also be seen as a variant of the Welsh name Maz or a short form of names like Amaziah.

Did you know? The word maze entered English from the Middle Ages and may relate to the Old Norse masa (to chatter, to wander) — but it was the hedgerow labyrinths of English country estates in the 17th century that gave the word its enduring cultural glamour.

Overall data confidence 78%

Oxford English Dictionary — maze — Middle English etymology and historical usageU.S. SSA Name Data — Rare modern usage as a given name

Variations

MazMaize

Nicknames

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If you like Maze…

Mace— monosyllabic word name with a strong warrior sound in the same vein

Blaze— bold single-syllable word name with fire imagery, same modern energy

Raze— monosyllabic action-word name in the same unconventional category

River— modern word name with the same flowing, natural, evocative feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Maze mean?

Maze comes from the Middle English word for a labyrinth or state of bewilderment. As a given name it is a modern word name conveying mystery and depth.

How do you pronounce Maze?

Maze is pronounced MAYZ /meɪz/ — one syllable, rhyming with 'daze' and 'blaze.'

Is Maze a boy or girl name?

Maze is used primarily as a boy's name but is rare enough that it has been used for both sexes.

How popular is Maze?

Maze is a very rare given name. It appears occasionally in modern birth records as part of the trend toward bold, one-syllable word names.