Inspired by Maya Angelou, the name Maya has been on the charts since the 1970s. Rising to a top 100 girl’s name in 2002, she continues to be a favorite pick among parents. If you’re looking for a more embellished version of May, then Maya might be perfect for you.
We’ve gathered the best middle names for Maya below.
Meaning of the Name Maya
There are many possible origins for the name Maya.
The first is that Maya is a variant of Maia, which comes from the Greek word μαῖα meaning “good mother,” “dame,” or “foster mother.”
Other scholars believe that Maya means “illusion” in Sanskrit.
Others think Maya is derived for the Hebrew word מַיִם (mayim) meaning “water.”
Lastly, Maya also refers to the indigenous people of southern Mexico and parts of Central America. Their civilization flourished during the 3rd through 8th centuries.
| Origin | English, Indian, or Hebrew |
| Pronunciation | my-uh |
Best Middle Names for Maya
Whether you’re searching for a classic middle name or something more modern, we’ve gathered our favorite options here.
- Maya Addison
- Maya Adeline
- Maya Alexandra
- Maya Allison
- Maya Annabelle
- Maya Annalise
- Maya Blair
- Maya Braelynn
- Maya Brielle
- Maya Bryn
- Maya Camille
- Maya Celeste
- Maya Charlotte
- Maya Claire
- Maya Coleen
- Maya Colette
- Maya Danielle
- Maya Darleen
- Maya Denise
- Maya Dior
- Maya Drew
- Maya Eileen
- Maya Elise
- Maya Elizabeth
- Maya Eloise
- Maya Emersyn
- Maya Emiliana
- Maya Emmalyn
- Maya Evelyn
- Maya Faye
- Maya Francesca
- Maya Gabrielle
- Maya Giselle
- Maya Grace
- Maya Haisley
- Maya Harleen
- Maya Harmoni
- Maya Hollis
- Maya Hollyn
- Maya Irene
- Maya Isabella
- Maya Jane
- Maya Janelle
- Maya Jayleen
- Maya Jean
- Maya Jo
- Maya Joelle
- Maya Josephine
- Maya Julianna
- Maya Juliette
- Maya June
- Maya Kate
- Maya Kathleen
- Maya Kaylene
- Maya Kinley
- Maya Lennox
- Maya Lianna
- Maya Loraine
- Maya Louisa
- Maya Lucille
- Maya Lynn
- Maya Marleen
- Maya Maxine
- Maya Michelle
- Maya Monroe
- Maya Nadine
- Maya Nicole
- Maya Noelle
- Maya Noreen
- Maya Odette
- Maya Olivia
- Maya Ophelia
- Maya Oriana
- Maya Paige
- Maya Paislee
- Maya Pauline
- Maya Pearl
- Maya Penelope
- Maya Phoenix
- Maya Quinn
- Maya Rain
- Maya Raelynn
- Maya Raquel
- Maya Raven
- Maya Renee
- Maya Rosalind
- Maya Rose
- Maya Sage
- Maya Savannah
- Maya Skye
- Maya Sloan
- Maya Sophia
- Maya Sue
- Maya Tate
- Maya Taylor
- Maya Teagan
- Maya Tinsley
- Maya Valentine
- Maya Vivian
- Maya Wren
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How To Pick a Middle Name
Do You Need A Middle Name?
In short, no. You do not need to give your child a middle name. You can choose to only give your child a first name and last name. There are no laws or requirements in regard to middle names.
However, according to research in the European Journal of Social Psychology, using middle initials in your name increases people’s perception of your intelligence.
Providing your child with a middle name will help differentiate them from others who share their same name. It also gives them a second option. Some children choose to go by their middle names instead of their first names as they grow older.
We all know how important it is to find the perfect name for our children. But did you know that in some cultures, middle names can be used as a way to give your child an additional identity? A new connection with their family history or heritage.
Here we will explore the things you should consider when giving your children a middle name!
Family Names
A child’s middle name is a great way to honor a beloved family member. It could be someone who has passed or a living family member who means a lot to the parents. Middle names don’t need to be gender-specific, so this could be a good place to include male or female family members.
Some parents like to include family surnames, such as the mother’s maiden name, as a middle name. This allows both sides of the family to pass down their name to the child. Any name that is meaningful to the family can make a nice middle name.
Flow and Initials
Probably the most important thing parents think of when choosing their child’s name is how it all sounds together. The first, middle, and last name should flow nicely together.
Many popular middle names are short, one or two syllable names because they pair well with most first names.
If family members speak another language or have an accent, take into consideration how everyone will be pronouncing the names when determining how they fit together
Monograms are popular in Southern culture, but it is still helpful to consider your child’s initials regardless of where you live.
Monograms for women are typically in the order of first name initial, large last name initial, and then middle name initial.
For men, the initials are usually in order of first, middle, and then last name. Avoid spelling out unfortunate words with the initials.
Middle names and their initials can also be used for nicknames. For example, Mary Elizabeth can be shortened to Mary Beth. Or, Elizabeth Zoe can be shortened to the initials E. Z. As a nickname.
If you just can’t narrow it down to a first name and a middle name, you can always include multiple middle names. In the United States, most people only have one middle name, but it is common around the world to have two or more.
It is recommended not to add too many middle names though. Most paperwork only leaves a spot for a single middle name or initial and multiple names can lead to confusion.
Special Meanings
A child’s middle name is a great way to pay homage to anything that holds special meaning to the parents. Some inspiration for names includes:
- Influential people in your life
- Characters from books, movies, or television
- Locations that hold memories
- Languages that are important to the family
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First Name for Middle Name Maya
If you’re considering Maya as a middle name, we’ve compiled our favorite first name options here.
- Abigail Maya
- Adalynn Maya
- Allison Maya
- Avery Maya
- Beatrice Maya
- Blakely Maya
- Brooklynn Maya
- Cassidy Maya
- Charleigh Maya
- Daphne Maya
- Desiree Maya
- Destiny Maya
- Eden Maya
- Edith Maya
- Elizabeth Maya
- Eloise Maya
- Emerson Maya
- Esme Maya
- Evangeline Maya
- Felicity Maya
- Finley Maya
- Gabriella Maya
- Genesis Maya
- Genevieve Maya
- Gracelynn Maya
- Hadley Maya
- Harper Maya
- Haven Maya
- Iris Maya
- Isabelle Maya
- Ivy Maya
- Jaden Maya
- Jasmine Maya
- Jennifer Maya
- Jocelyn Maya
- Josephine Maya
- Juliet Maya
- Juniper Maya
- Kaitlin Maya
- Katherine Maya
- Kayleigh Maya
- Kennedy Maya
- Kenzie Maya
- Lainey Maya
- Leighton Maya
- Leilani Maya
- Lexi Maya
- Lily Maya
- Mackenzie Maya
- Madison Maya
- Magnolia Maya
- Margaret Maya
- Mckenna Maya
- Naomi Maya
- Natalie Maya
- Oaklynn Maya
- Olivia Maya
- Paisley Maya
- Penelope Maya
- Phoenix Maya
- Raegan Maya
- Regina Maya
- Rosalie Maya
- Savannah Maya
- Scarlett Maya
- Serena Maya
- Sienna Maya
- Sophia Maya
- Talia Maya
- Trinity Maya
- Valentina Maya
- Victoria Maya
- Wynter Maya
- Zuri Maya
Nicknames for Maya
- Em
- M
- My-My
Variations of Maya
- Maja, Maj (Danish)
- Mya (English)
- Maïa (French)
- Maja (German)
- Maia (Greek Mythology)
- Maja, Maj (Norwegian)
- Maia (Roman Mythology)
Names Similar to Maya
- Anna
- Aria
- Ava
- Bell
- Bella
- Chloe
- Dana
- Ella
- Emma
- Eva
- Freya
- Grace
- Hannah
- Isabella
- Ivy
- Julia
- Kayla
- Leah
- Lila
- Lily
- Luna
- Lyla
- Mia
- Mila
- Mira
- Naomi
- Nina
- Nora
- Nyla
- Olivia
- Paula
- Sarah
- Serena
- Shira
- Sienna
- Sophia
- Talia
- Tara
- Vera
- Zoe
Sibling Boy Names that go with Maya
- Maya and Adonis
- Maya and Alexander
- Maya and Asher
- Maya and Beau
- Maya and Brady
- Maya and Briggs
- Maya and Carlos
- Maya and Carter
- Maya and Chase
- Maya and Corbin
- Maya and Dallas
- Maya and Dylan
- Maya and Elijah
- Maya and Elliot
- Maya and Emmett
- Maya and Enzo
- Maya and Frank
- Maya and Gideon
- Maya and Griffin
- Maya and Hayes
- Maya and Hudson
- Maya and Isaac
- Maya and Ivan
- Maya and Jacob
- Maya and Jasper
- Maya and Jaxon
- Maya and Jett
- Maya and Kane
- Maya and Kyler
- Maya and Landon
- Maya and Levi
- Maya and Lorenzo
- Maya and Marco
- Maya and Marshall
- Maya and Maxwell
- Maya and Miles
- Maya and Nicholas
- Maya and Nolan
- Maya and Owen
- Maya and Paxton
- Maya and Pedro
- Maya and Phillip
- Maya and Reid
- Maya and Rhett
- Maya and Ryker
- Maya and Sawyer
- Maya and Silas
- Maya and Titus
- Maya and Wilder
- Maya and Wyatt
Sibling Girl Names that go with Maya
- Maya and Adaline
- Maya and Ainsley
- Maya and Alessandra
- Maya and Ariana
- Maya and Belle
- Maya and Blair
- Maya and Bristol
- Maya and Callie
- Maya and Carmen
- Maya and Claire
- Maya and Dahlia
- Maya and Diana
- Maya and Edith
- Maya and Eleanor
- Maya and Eliza
- Maya and Elsie
- Maya and Emily
- Maya and Eve
- Maya and Fiona
- Maya and Frances
- Maya and Gabrielle
- Maya and Genesis
- Maya and Grace
- Maya and Hallie
- Maya and Harper
- Maya and Hazel
- Maya and Heidi
- Maya and Isla
- Maya and Jade
- Maya and Jayla
- Maya and Joy
- Maya and Kate
- Maya and Kaylani
- Maya and Lainey
- Maya and Lilah
- Maya and Lucy
- Maya and Mabel
- Maya and Madeline
- Maya and Margot
- Maya and Naomi
- Maya and Norah
- Maya and Olivia
- Maya and Penelope
- Maya and Piper
- Maya and Quinn
- Maya and Raegan
- Maya and Rylee
- Maya and Skylar
- Maya and Sophia
- Maya and Violet
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History of the Name Maya
The name Maia is borne from mythology. In Greek mythology, she is the eldest daughter of Atlas and Pleione. Zeus fell in love with her and they had a son, Hermes.
In Roman mythology, Maia is the goddess of fertility and spring, correlating with the month of May.
The name is traced back to ancient times and was commonly used in the Near East.
According to the Social Security Administration, Maya first appeared on the popular baby naming charts in 1970. This coincided with the 1969 publication of “I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou.
She fluctuated on the charts, not gaining much interest until 1993 when she leaped into a top 300 girl’s name position and quickly climbed upward.
Maya reached a top 100 girl’s name position in 2002. As of 2021, Maya ranks as the 55th most popular girl’s name in the United States.
The spelling version Mya, appeared on the charts in 1997. The following year she had jumped over 750 spots, landing into a top 300 girl’s name position in 1998. Her best year was in 2009 in the 97th spot and she has continued to decline since. As of 2021, Mya ranks as the 271st most popular girl’s name in America.
The alternative spelling Maia first appeared on the popular charts in 1996. Her best year thus far was in 2017 in the 488th spot. As of 2021, Maia ranks as the 434th most popular girl’s name.
Famous People with the Name Maya
| Maya | a High Priest of Amun until at least year four of Akhenaten |
| Maya | (13th century BC), the treasurer to Pharaohs Tutankhamun, Ay, and Horemheb of Egypt |
| Maya Angelou | African-American author and poet |
| Maya Kalle-Bentzur | Israeli Olympic runner and long jumper |
| Maya Days | American singer |
| Maya Gabeira | Brazilian surfer |
| Maya Hawke | American actress in the Netflix series Stranger Things |
| Maya Kazan | American actress and director in the television series The Knick |
| Maya Lin | American architect and sculptor, designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial |
| Maya Rudolph | American actress, Saturday Night Live cast member, and in numerous films including Bridesmaids and Wine Country, and the television series The Good Place |
Fictional Characters Named Maya
| Maya | the alter ego of the Marvel Comics superhero Paragon |
| Maya | the Yellow Ranger in Power Rangers: Lost Galaxy |
| Maya | a character on the television series Space: 1999 |
| Maya Avant | a character from the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful |
| Maya Bennett | a character in the Disney Channel series The Suite Life on Deck |
| Maya Chinn | a character in the soap opera Passions |
| Maya Fisher | a character in the television series Six Feet Under |
| Maya Gallo | a character in the television series Just Shoot Me |
| Maya Hart | a character in the Disney Channel show Girl Meets World |
| Maya Herrera | a character in the television series Heroes |
| Maya Matlin | a character in the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation |
| Maya Wilkes | a character from the American sitcom Girlfriends |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maya a biblical name?
No, Maya is not a name that is found in the bible and does not have any biblical ties. Maya is tied to Greek and Roman mythology by Maia.
Is Maya a popular girl’s name?
Although Maya has not made a top 50 girl’s name quite yet, she has ranked as a top 100 girl’s name since 2002. The name is considered relatively common and a favorite choice among parents.
Final Thoughts on Middle Names for Maya
Maya is a sweet girl’s name that has maintained a top 100 position on the charts since the early 2000s. Parents continue to gravitate towards this name and it’s easy to see why.
If you’re considering naming your daughter Maya, we hope our list of middle name ideas has been useful.
MORE MIDDLE NAME IDEAS
Now that you’ve seen all the middle name ideas for Maya, you might want to check out some middle name ideas for these similar names!
- Middle Names for Amaya
- Middle Names for Aria
- Middle Names for Emma
- Middle Names for Ivy
- Middle Names for Olivia
If you’re looking for more middle name ideas, you can find all our lists in our Middle Names section.
For more baby name ideas and inspiration head over to our Baby Names section.