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Maya First Name Meaning

Maya is a primarily feminine name of English origin, with various meanings. In Sanskrit, it means "illusion or magic" and is an alternate name of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. In the Tupi language of southern Brazil, it means "mother," while in Māori, it signifies "courage" or "bravery." It can also be a variant of the Greek theonym Maia, the mother of Hermes in Greek and Roman mythology. Maya is well-used in the English-speaking world, ranking among the top one thousand most popular names for girls in the United States since 1970 and among the top one hundred since 2002. Its variants are used across different countries and cultures. The name carries connotations of motherhood, courage, and illusion, making it a versatile and meaningful choice for parents.

Sources: Wikipedia, available at https://www.wikipedia.org | BabyNames.com, available at https://www.babynames.com

How popular Maya first name? (2000 - Now)

Historical popularity of Maya first name (1880 - Now)

Sources: Social Security Administration, available at https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/



Famous people with Maya first name

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph, born on July 27, 1972, is a renowned American actress and comedian. She gained widespread recognition for her stint on the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 2000 to 2007. Rudolph's versatility has been showcased through her roles in various films, including 50 First Dates (2004), A Prairie Home Companion (2006), Bridesmaids (2011), and Sisters (2015). Additionally, she has lent her voice to animated films such as Shrek the Third (2007), Big Hero 6 (2014), and Luca (2021). Rudolph's talent extends to television, where she starred in the NBC sitcom Up All Night (2011–2012) and co-hosted the variety show Maya & Marty (2016). Her exceptional voice acting in the animated sitcom Big Mouth has earned her four Primetime Emmy Awards. Notably, her portrayal of politician Kamala Harris on SNL and her role in The Good Place have garnered widespread acclaim and multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations. In 2024, she was recognized as one of Time's 100 most influential people in the world. Maya Rudolph's impressive career and multifaceted talents have firmly established her as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Annie Johnson, was a prominent American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. Over her 50-year career, she published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry. Angelou's first autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," brought her international acclaim, focusing on her early life experiences. She overcame a challenging childhood, including sexual abuse and the subsequent period of mutism, to become a respected spokesperson for Black people and women. Angelou was an influential figure in the Civil Rights Movement, collaborating with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. She made history by reciting her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at Bill Clinton's first presidential inauguration in 1993, becoming the first poet to do so since Robert Frost in 1961. Through her works, Angelou tackled themes of racism, identity, family, and travel, challenging and expanding the autobiography genre. Her books are widely used in educational institutions globally, although some attempts have been made to ban them from U.S. libraries. Angelou's extraordinary life and literary contributions have left a lasting impact on literature and social activism.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Maya Hawke
Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke, born on July 8, 1998, is an American actress and singer-songwriter, known for her roles in both film and television. As the daughter of famous Hollywood actors Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, she has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Hawke made her screen debut as Jo March in the BBC adaptation of Little Women and gained recognition for her portrayal of Robin Buckley in the popular Netflix series Stranger Things. She has also appeared in various films, such as Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Fear Street Part One: 1994, and Asteroid City. In addition to her acting career, Hawke is also a talented musician, having released several albums, including Blush, Moss, and Chaos Angel. With her artistic upbringing and education at the prestigious Saint Ann's School in Brooklyn, New York, Maya Hawke has established herself as a multifaceted artist, demonstrating her abilities as both an actress and a musician.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Maya Erskine
Maya Erskine

Maya Erskine is an American actress and writer, best known for her roles in popular TV series and her creative work behind the scenes. She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Maggie in "Man Seeking Woman," Mikki in "Betas," and Mizu in "Blue Eye Samurai." However, it was her collaboration with Anna Konkle in creating, writing, and executive producing the acclaimed TV comedy series "PEN15" that truly propelled her to stardom. The series, in which Maya and Anna played fictionalized versions of their 13-year-old selves, received widespread critical acclaim and garnered several Primetime Emmy Award nominations. In 2024, Maya took on the lead role of Jane Smith in the Prime Video series "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," earning herself a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the Primetime Emmy Awards.Born in Los Angeles to a Japanese mother and a jazz drummer father, Maya Erskine's creative journey began at a young age. She honed her skills at prestigious institutions such as Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences and New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Throughout her career, Maya has not only showcased her talents on screen but also graced the stages of Los Angeles-based theater groups, including the East West Players and the Geffen Playhouse. In addition to her acting prowess, Maya is recognized as an A100 Honoree by Gold House, a testament to her impact and influence in the

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Maya (given name)
Maya (given name)

Maya is a name with diverse meanings in various languages, originating from Sanskrit, the ancient Indian language. In Sanskrit, Māyā means "illusion or magic" and is also an alternate name of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. The Tupi language of southern Brazil interprets it as "mother," while in the Māori language, it signifies "courage" or "bravery," popular among Māori girls in New Zealand. The name is also linked to Greek mythology as a variant form of the theonym Maia, the mother of Hermes. Additionally, it is used as a short form for Maria or Mary in Christian culture and as a variant of the Arabic name Mayya, among other derivatives. Maya has been consistently popular in the English-speaking world and is among the top names for girls in the United States and Canada. The name has been associated with numerous influential women across different fields, including literature, arts, sports, music, and more. Notable figures include Maya Angelou, Maya Ali, M.I.A. (Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam), Maya Banks, Maya Beiser, and many others, showcasing the name's global significance and influence in various domains.

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