Origin and Meaning of Maya

Illusion or dream; great, goddess.

Origin: Sanskrit - The name Maya comes from the Sanskrit word 'मायः' (maya), which means illusion or magic. It is also associated with the name of the Hindu goddess Maya, who is often considered a representation of the divine feminine.

• Maya is a name that appears in various cultures, including Indian, Hebrew, and Greek traditions.
• In addition to its Indian roots, the name is used in many cultures; for example, in Hebrew, Maya means 'water' and in Native American cultures, it can mean 'spring' or 'water'.
• Notable bearers of the name include Maya Angelou, the acclaimed American poet and civil rights activist, and Maya Rudolph, an American actress and comedian.
• The name has gained popularity in the United States and other Western countries since the late 20th century, often demonstrating consistent growth in usage.
• Variations of the name include Maia, Maja, and Maiya, each with subtle differences in meaning and cultural significance.