Maya is a feminine name used in English with two distinct origins. It can be considered a variant of Maia, a name from Greek mythology meaning "good mother" or "dame." In Greek myth, Maia was the eldest of the Pleiades and the mother of Hermes by Zeus. Alternatively, Maya may be given in reference to the Maya civilization, an indigenous Mesoamerican culture that flourished between the 3rd and 8th centuries.Notable BearersThe most famous bearer is the American poet and author Maya Angelou (1928–2014), best known for her series of seven autobiographies, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Her work addresses themes of identity, racism, and resilience.Cultural SignificanceThe Maya people are known for their sophisticated writing system, mathematics, architecture, and calendar. Naming a child Maya often reflects admiration for the ancient civilization's achievements.Variant forms include Mya in English, and cognates such as Maja in Swedish, Maj in Swedish, Maïa in French, Maia in Roman Mythology, and Majka in Polish.Meaning: Variant of Maia, also recalling the Maya civilizationOrigin: Greek mythology; Mesoamerican cultureType: Feminine given nameUsage Regions: English-speaking countries