Last Name Maia

The surname "Maia" has origins that can be traced to various cultures. In Greek mythology, Maia was one of the Pleiades, a group of seven stars and also a nymph who was a daughter of Atlas and Pleione, and a mother of Hermes by Zeus. In Portuguese-speaking countries like Portugal or Brazil, "Maia" can be a female given name and a surname, with possible roots in Galician (a language spoken mainly in the autonomous community of Galicia, in northwestern Spain), where it may have originated from the word "maio," meaning May. It is also a common last name in the Azores archipelago, which is part of Portugal and has a unique linguistic heritage influenced by both Portuguese and native languages. In addition, there are various places named Maia around the world, such as Maia, a municipality in Portugal, or Maia, a region in northern Greece, which may have contributed to its use as a surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maia

The meaning and origin of the last name Maia

The surname Maia is of ancient Greek origin, derived from the word "Maia," which was originally the name of a goddess associated with fertility, growth, and motherhood in Greek mythology. The goddess Maia was one of the Pleiades, a group of seven stars, and was the mother of Hermes by Zeus. Over time, this name has been adopted as a surname across various cultures, particularly among people of Greek descent. In Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Brazil, it is quite common. It carries the symbolism of the fertile, nurturing goddess Maia and serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of ancient Greece in modern family lineages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maia

The surname Maia is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil, due to its origin from the Latin word 'Maia', which was the name of a Roman goddess of spring and growth. The name has also spread to other regions with significant Portuguese immigration, such as Angola, Mozambique, Goa (India), and various countries in Africa, North America, and South America. In addition, it can be found among Sephardic Jewish communities who were expelled from Portugal during the Inquisition and settled in countries like Turkey, Morocco, and Israel. The name Maia is also present, albeit less frequently, in Spanish-speaking regions due to similarities with the Spanish word 'maíz' (corn). However, its distribution remains concentrated in Portuguese-speaking communities worldwide.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maia

The surname Maia has several variations and spellings, reflecting its origins and adoption across different regions. Some common variants include Mai, Maya, Maaia, and Maiah. Other less common variations may include Macai, Macaya, Maea, or even Maeya in some rare cases. These variations can stem from regional dialects, historical influences, or individual preferences. The root form "Maia" is of Latin origin, where it was a feminine given name, and over time has been adopted as a surname by various populations. The most common region for the Maia surname is Portugal, but it is also found in Brazil, Spain, Italy, France, and other countries with Portuguese or Latin influences. Despite these variations, the underlying spelling and pronunciation of the name share a consistent etymology, originating from the ancient Roman goddess Maia.

Famous people with the last name Maia

Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717), a German-born naturalist and artist, is one of the most renowned figures with the surname Maia. Known for her groundbreaking work on metamorphosis in butterflies and moths, she made significant contributions to entomology. In the realm of entertainment, Maia Mitchell (b. 1993), an Australian actress, is well-known for her roles in television series like "The Fosters" and "Ghost Stories by Campfire." In the world of sports, Maia Shibutani (b. 1992) and Alex Shibutani (b. 1990), also known as the Ice Dance Team Shib Sibs, are American figure skaters who have represented the United States at two Winter Olympics. Lastly, in the realm of literature, Maria Teresa de Maia (1870-1946) was a Brazilian poet and writer, whose works reflect the social issues of her time. Her poetry is considered an essential part of Brazilian literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Maia

The surname Maia has roots primarily in Portugal and Spain, derived from the Latin term "Maia" which refers to the Roman goddess of spring and growth. In Portugal, the name was borne by several noble families, including the Maia de Ataíde, Counts of Atouguia, and the Marquis of Maia. The name also has historical significance in Spain, where it was adopted by numerous nobles and royal figures, such as the Maia y Sotomayor family who were counts of Casares. In more recent times, the Maia surname can be found across various regions globally due to migration patterns. Notable individuals bearing this name include José Maia, a former Brazilian Minister of Education; and Rui Pedro Silva Maia, a Portuguese professional basketball player. The name's rich history and diverse distribution reflect its ancient origins and global dispersal over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Maia"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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