מַיָּה
Maya / Maya
“Water/spring”
Maya (מַיָּה, Maya) is a Hebrew girl's name meaning “water/spring,” pronounced “MA-ya.” In Hebrew, Maya is derived from מַיִם (mayim, 'water'). The name functions as a feminine form of 'water' or 'spring.' Water in the Hebrew Bible symbolizes life, blessing, purification, and God's provision. The name also has independent origins in Sanskrit ('illusion'), Latin ('great'), and Mesoamerican culture.
| Hebrew | מַיָּה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Maya |
| English Name | Maya |
| Meaning | Water/spring |
| Pronunciation | MA-ya |
| Gender | Girl |
| Category | Modern Hebrew Names |
| Variants | Maia, Mayah, Maja, Maiya |
| Key Scripture | Jeremiah 2:13 |
Maya is a name that flows across cultures like the water it represents. In Hebrew, Maya (מַיָּה) is derived from 'mayim' (מַיִם, water) — the most essential element of life in the arid landscape of the Holy Land. Water in the Bible is never merely physical: it represents life, purification, blessing, and the Spirit of God. 'Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream' (Amos 5:24). But Maya is also a name that belongs to the world: it means 'illusion' in Sanskrit, 'mother' in many languages, and echoes the great Mayan civilization. This convergence of meanings from different cultures has made Maya one of the most internationally popular names — a name that sounds beautiful in every language while carrying deep Hebrew significance.
Key Scripture: Jeremiah 2:13
“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”
What Does Maya Mean in Hebrew?
The Hebrew form מַיָּה (Maya) derives from מַיִם (mayim, 'water'). The dual form of 'mayim' (always ending in -im) is one of Hebrew's distinctive features — water is inherently plural, reflecting its flowing, uncountable nature. Maya may also be connected to 'ma'ayan' (מַעְיָן, 'spring/fountain'), another water word.
Maya in the Bible
While Maya as a name does not appear in the Bible, water (mayim) is one of Scripture's most important symbols. God is called the 'fountain of living water' (Jeremiah 2:13); the Psalmist prays 'As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you' (Psalm 42:1); and Ezekiel envisions healing water flowing from the Temple (47:1-12).
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
Maya's cross-cultural resonance is extraordinary: in Hebrew it means 'water,' in Sanskrit 'illusion/magic,' in Greek mythology Maia was the goddess of spring, and in Mesoamerica, the Mayan civilization flourished. The name Maya Angelou gave it literary prestige. In Israel, it is popular as both a Hebrew name (water) and an international one.
Maya is one of the most popular girls' names worldwide — ranking in the top 50-100 in the US, UK, Israel, Germany, France, and many other countries. Its universal appeal lies in its beautiful sound and the fact that it carries positive meanings in multiple unrelated languages and cultures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maya
What does Maya mean in Hebrew?
Maya (מַיָּה, Maya) means “Water/spring” in Hebrew. In Hebrew, Maya is derived from מַיִם (mayim, 'water'). The name functions as a feminine form of 'water' or 'spring.' Water in the Hebrew Bible symbolizes life, blessing, purification, and God's provision. The name also has independent origins in Sanskrit ('illusion'), Latin ('great'), and Mesoamerican culture.
How do you pronounce Maya in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Maya is “MA-ya.” The name is written מַיָּה in Hebrew script.
What does Maya mean in Hebrew?
In Hebrew, Maya (מַיָּה) is derived from 'mayim' (מַיִם, water). It means 'water' or 'spring' — evoking the life-giving, purifying, and blessing-bringing symbolism that water carries throughout the Hebrew Bible. In Israel's arid landscape, water is the most precious resource, giving the name a special resonance in its homeland.
Is Maya a Hebrew name or an international name?
Both — and that's what makes it extraordinary. Maya has genuine Hebrew roots from 'mayim' (water), but it also has independent origins in Sanskrit (illusion), Greek mythology (goddess of spring), Latin (great), and Mesoamerican culture. This convergence of meanings across unrelated languages has made it one of the most globally popular names.
Why is Maya so popular worldwide?
Maya's universal popularity stems from a rare combination: it sounds beautiful in virtually every language, it's easy to pronounce across cultures, it carries positive meanings in multiple unrelated traditions (Hebrew, Sanskrit, Greek, Latin), and it's associated with admired figures like Maya Angelou. Its two-syllable simplicity and international accessibility make it a true global name.
Sources & Further Study
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