Maiga is a Latvian feminine given name derived from the Latvian word maigs, meaning "gentle, soft, tender". While the name is of Latvian origin, it shares its spelling with the West African surname Maïga (often spelled Maiga without the diacritic). The latter is prevalent among the Songhai people of Mali and Niger, as well as in other West African countries with Songhai populations, indicating the name's broader cultural reach. The etymology of the West African surname is understood differently: it breaks down into mai ("ruler") and ga ("land") in the Songhai language, and is associated with nobility as a title descending from historical rulers like Askia Muhammad I and Sonni Ali Ber.In a Latvian context, the name Maiga remains uncommon but carries a straightforward, positive meaning of gentleness. It fits into a pattern of Baltic names derived from adjectives describing desirable traits (e.g., Milda, meaning "dear" or "love").Meaning: "Gentle, soft, tender" (Latvian)Origin: Latvian vocabulary nameType: Given name (feminine)Usage Regions: Latvia (primary), also a coincidental standalone spelling of the West African surname Maïga