Maitri is a unique and distinctive name of Indian origin, derived from the Sanskrit word "maitri," which means "friendship" or "loving-kindness." It is often associated with the concept of metta in Buddhism, which refers to the cultivation of boundless love and goodwill towards all beings.
In Hindu tradition, Maitri is also one of the nine forms of Durga, the mother goddess who represents shakti, or divine female power. In this context, Maitri embodies the qualities of compassion, grace, and gentleness.
Historically, the name Maitri has been used by notable figures in Indian culture and spirituality. For instance, Maitreyi was a sage from ancient India who is revered for her wisdom and devotion to spiritual pursuits. She appears in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad as one of the wives of Yajnavalkya, a renowned philosopher and sage.
Today, Maitri continues to be a popular name among those seeking unique, meaningful, and culturally significant monikers for their children. Its association with friendship, kindness, and compassion makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a name that carries positive connotations and has deep historical roots.
The name Maitri experienced fluctuations in popularity over time, with the highest number of births recorded in 2007 at 13, and the lowest in 2006 at just 5. There was a gap in records between 2008 and 2010, and again between 2011 and 2017. The most recent year with available data is 2023, which saw 5 births. In total, there have been 107 births recorded for the name Maitri since 2000.