Alternatives To Maya
- Amaia
Origin:
Spanish or BasqueMeaning:
"high place or end"Description:
This pretty and uncommon Basque name is all but unheard of in this country. Amaya is a spelling variation as well as a similar Japanese name meaning "night rain." With the newfound popularity of Amara and Amora, Amaia and Amaya are among the Spanish names for girls we'll be hearing a lot more of in the US.
- Leia
Origin:
Variation of Leah, Laya, or Leya, Portuguese, Spanish, English, SanskritMeaning:
"weary; the law; dissolution"Description:
Most familiar in the English speaking world as the Star Wars princess, Jedi, and leader, Leia can be considered a pop culture choice, created by George Lucas who in turn likely based it on the Biblical Leah. It has been in the US Top 1000 since the mid-2000s and is also a popular choice in the UK and Sweden.
- Naya
Origin:
Spelling variation of NiaDescription:
Related to Nia and Naia, Naya was new to the US Top 1000 in 2014 and benefits from the short and simple pronunciation that many parents are seeking in fresh names. It also has obvious similarities to popular Mia and Maya.
- Enaya
Description:
Enaya is a feminine name of Arabic origin meaning 'care,' 'concern,' or 'providence.' The name embodies the concepts of attentiveness and nurturing, making it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with compassionate undertones. While relatively uncommon in Western countries, Enaya has been growing in popularity within Muslim communities worldwide and among parents drawn to its melodic sound and positive meaning. The name's elegant simplicity, combined with its depth of meaning, contributes to its appeal in multicultural settings. Enaya flows naturally in pronunciation across different languages while retaining its distinctive character and cultural significance.
- Moya
Origin:
Irish variation of Máire or Mary, Spanish place name, Zulu, Sotho, LalaMeaning:
"beloved, bitter; estate of Modius, estate of measure; spirit, wind"Description:
A multicultural choice with a distinctive sound, Moya may appeal as a unique alternative to Maia/Maya or Mia. Given to a handful of girls each year in the US, it is more commonly heard in the UK or in Ethiopia.
- Mya
Origin:
Variation of Maia, Maya, or Mia, Greek, Scandinavian, Hebrew, BurmeseMeaning:
"mother; larger, greater; bitter, beloved; emerald"Description:
This distinctive spelling was popularized by the R&B singer Mya (Harrison) and entered the US Top 100 in 2009 after the singer appeared on Dancing with the Stars. While it has since declined in the US, it remains in the Top 100 in France, the Top 200 in Belgium, and the Top 300 in England and Wales.
- Fay
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"fairy"Description:
Fay, also spelled Faye, who had been napping quietly since the 1930's, has, like cousins May/Mae and Ray/Rae, sat up and started rubbing her eyes, ready for a mini-comeback, especially as a middle name. In 2014, Faye hopped back onto the US Top 1000, though Fay is used much more quietly as a first name.
- Raia
Origin:
Spelling variation of RayaDescription:
The popularity of Maya clarifies the pronunciation of Raya, which makes that the better spelling of this name.
- Mirabella
Origin:
Italian variation of MirabelleMeaning:
"wonderful"Description:
The short-lived magazine edited by former Vogue chief Grace Mirabella put this beautiful name off-limits for a while, but now it's perfectly fit to join the fashionable Bella pantheon. More distinctive than Isabella.
- Taya
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"young"Description:
Taya has recently jumped into the mainstream name pool, perhaps because of kinship with Maya and Kaya. After five years outside the US Top 1000, it reentered in 2015.
- Malka
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"queen"Description:
Nonbiblical Hebrew name used as an affectionate nickname since the Middle Ages.
- Daya
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"compassionate"Description:
There is some controversy over the origin and meaning of this name, though most reputable sources define it as a Hindi name meaning kindness or compassion. Also spelled, Daia, other sources say it may mean "joy" or be a Hebrew name with the meaning "bird of prey". It has recently been made familiar through the character of Daya Diaz on Orange is the New Black .
- Miya
Origin:
Variation of Mia or Maya; JapaneseMeaning:
"palace, shrine, temple"Description:
Is it pronounced MEE-ah or MY-ah? Only the bearer knows for sure, which is one of the central problems with this hybrid name.
- Magda
Origin:
German variation of MagdalenDescription:
On "Sex and the City," Magda was the elderly nanny from the old country -- which is what this name sounds like. While Magdalene and Magdalena are enjoying fresh life, Magda still feels dated.
- Xena
Origin:
Pop culture, GreekMeaning:
"guest, hospitality"Description:
Likely a variation of the Greek name Xenia, Xena is associated with the the TV Warrior Princess, played by Lucy Lawless back in the 90s. Also used as a diminutive form of Alexina or Zenobia, the name was used as a nickname, or temporary name, for the minor planet now known as Eris. It was chosen when it was still being decided how Eris would be classified, and was selected because it began with X and had the mythological, TV connection.
- Xyla
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"wood-dweller; the cross"Description:
X is undoubtedly one of the coolest initials to have, and more parents are agreeing — Xyla entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2022. Xyla comes from the Greek xylon, meaning "wood" — the same root that makes up the word xylophone (literally meaning "wood sound"). The subtle musical connection in this name may be an additional appeal, though many parents may just be using it as a twist on Tyla, Zyla, Kyla, and Myla.
- Malaya
Origin:
FilipinoMeaning:
"free"Description:
Deriving from the same East Asian root as Malaysia and Malay, Malaya is a name that recalls the more popular Maya and the name of 2014 Nobel Peace Laureate Malala Yousafzai. It first appeared in the US Top 1000 in 2006.
- Chaya
Origin:
Feminization of Chayyim or Chaim, Hebrew, Hindi, "life; shadow, shade"Meaning:
"life; shadow, shade"Description:
A life-affirming name of Hebrew origin, currently popular in Israel, Chaya has also risen up the charts in both the US and the UK in recent years. Used as a common name for leafy shrub in Mexico, it shares the same root as Chava, Eve, and Eva.
- Elaya
Origin:
Variation of Elijah, Leah, or Elaia, Hebrew, BasqueMeaning:
"my God is Yahweh, weary, swallow (bird)"Description:
Elaya combines the elements of several popular choices including Maya, Elara, Elora, Alaia, Elijah, Eliana, and Aliyah. Pronounced as either eh-LAY-uh or eh-LYE-uh, it may be considered a variation of the Biblical Elijah or Leah, or a form of the Basque bird name, Elaia. Eulalia ("sweetly speaking") and Elia ("sun") may be other sources.
- Malva
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"slender, delicate"Description:
Your zany neighbor, the one who's a potter and has five cats.
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