Girl name · Sanskrit
Maya
“illusion; water”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Maya.
Explore Maya further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Maya — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Maya carries a passport thicker than most: Sanskrit for "illusion, divine creative power," Greek for the mother of Hermes, Hebrew as a form of Mayim (water), and the name of a great Mesoamerican civilization.
Maya Angelou gave it literary permanence; the name holds sixtieth place in America in 2024 after decades of steady cross-cultural use.
Few names mean this much in this many places. It pairs well with simple middles (Maya Rose, Maya Claire) that let the layers speak. On our vibe map it is the definition of Cultural Fusion — with a Mythological shimmer wherever you look.
More Sanskrit names
Maya sits in our Sanskrit set — these share its roots.
All Sanskrit names →Maya — common questions
Is Maya a boy or girl name?
Maya is traditionally a girl name of Sanskrit origin. It ranked #62 among US girls' names in 2025.
What does the name Maya mean?
Maya means “illusion; water” of Sanskrit origin. Maya carries a passport thicker than most: Sanskrit for "illusion, divine creative power," Greek for the mother of Hermes, Hebrew as a form of Mayim (water), and the name of a great Mesoamerican civilization.
Where does the name Maya come from?
Maya is Sanskrit in origin. Maya Angelou gave it literary permanence; the name holds sixtieth place in America in 2024 after decades of steady cross-cultural use.
What are common nicknames for Maya?
My — the short-forms parents most often use for Maya.
How popular is Maya?
Maya ranked #62 in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which puts it solidly in everyday use.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Maya you might want for the nursery.