The Mayans were an ancient civilisation renound for their astonishing architecture and mathematical/astrological systems. The origin of the name is somewhat in doubt, but it is thought to mean 'illusion' in Sanskrit.

Latin Meaning: The name Maya is a Latin baby name. In Latin the meaning of the name Maya is: Daughter of Atlas.

American Meaning: The name Maya is an American baby name. In American the meaning of the name Maya is: Daughter of Atlas.

Spanish Meaning: The name Maya is a Spanish baby name. In Spanish the meaning of the name Maya is: Abbreviation of Amalia;.

This soft, pretty name is climbing in the charts, thanks perhaps to Saturday Night Live comedian Maya Rudolph. It has roots in a whole host of different cultures, making it a great name for any family. We’ll start with the Latin (doesn’t everything start with the Latin?) May, which stands for both the month and the pretty hawthorn flower that often blooms that time of year. Then there are the Mayan people of Central America, and the Hebrew word Mayim, which means “water.” Now we’ll move to Buddhism: Maya was the Buddha’s mom, and in Sanskrit, it means “illusion.” And finally, in Greek and Roman mythology, Maia means “great,” and she had a son with the all-mighty Zeus. That’s it! Now go name your baby Maya (or Maia or Maja) before everyone else does.