Meaning:
Its source is a Greek expression meaning "Great."
Languages:
This girl's name is used in Maori.
Popularity:
The name Maia ranked 558th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics and 2900th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.
Narrative:
The meaning of this name is uncertain, probably because of its great antiquity.
In Greek mythology, Maia was the eldest of the Pleiades, the seven daughters of the Titan Atlas. Their beauty moved the hunter Orion to pursue them without rest, and in pity Zeus transformed the sisters into stars. Orion made the transition, too, and every clear night they resume their chase. Maia was also the mother of Hermes, the messenger god.
In Roman tradition, the same name was attributed to an earth goddess, though her identification with the Greek Maia was not consistent. The month of May was named in her honor.
In Maori, it means brave warrior.
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