Maya is a feminine given name of Sanskrit origin, meaning "illusion" or "magic". It is derived from the Hindu goddess Maya, who is considered to be the mother of the creator god Brahma.
The name Maya has been popular throughout history and across different cultures. In ancient Mayan culture, it was used as a title for female rulers and queens. In Indian mythology, Maya is also associated with the concept of creation and destruction, representing both the material world and the divine power that creates and sustains it.
In literature, Maya has been used as a character name in various works, such as "Maya Angelou" by American poet Maya Angelou, who was named after the Hindu goddess. The name has also gained popularity due to its use in popular culture, such as in the animated film "The Jungle Book", where the main female character is named Maya.
Overall, the name Maya carries a rich history and cultural significance, making it a meaningful choice for parents looking for a unique and beautiful feminine name.
The name Maya has been given to a total of 163 babies in the United States between the years 1975 and 2020, with variations in popularity over time.
In the early period from 1975 to 2004, the number of babies named Maya ranged from a low of 5 births in several years to a high of 13 births in 2003. The most notable peak during this period was in 2003, with 13 births.
From 2005 onwards, the popularity of the name Maya seems to have stabilized around an average of about 8 to 9 births per year, with slight fluctuations. The years 2006 and 2007 saw a dip to 6 and 5 births respectively, but this was followed by increases in subsequent years, reaching a recent high of 12 births in 2009.
It's interesting to note that there were no recorded births with the name Maya in the United States in 2014 and 2015. This could suggest a brief decline in popularity or potentially an error in data collection for those years.
In recent years, the name Maya has maintained a consistent level of popularity, with 7 births in 2013, 5 births in 2016, and 6 births in 2020. This indicates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, Maya remains a favored choice among parents in the United States.
Overall, these statistics provide insight into the trends and patterns surrounding the name Maya over several decades in the United States. Despite fluctuations in popularity, the name has maintained a consistent presence among baby names during this time period.