Maja

The first name Maja is on one hand a diminutive of Maria, and on the other hand, it is also a variant spelling of Maia with different origins and meanings. As a diminutive of the biblical name Maria, Maja can have various meanings that are still not definitively established today.

What does the name Maja mean?

The first name Maja is on one hand a diminutive of Maria, and on the other hand, it is also a variant spelling of Maia with different origins and meanings. As a diminutive of the biblical name Maria, Maja can have various meanings that are still not definitively established today. An Egyptian derivation is suspected with the meaning 'the beloved'. However, derivations from Aramaic and Hebrew with meanings such as 'the (gift) from God', 'the well-nourished', 'the sea myrrh', 'the sea drop', 'the unruly', or 'the untamed' are also conceivable. More about the individual derivations can be found on the name page for Maria. As a variant of Maia, the origins lie in Greek and Roman mythology. In Greek mythology, Maia (Ancient Greek Μαῖα Maía) is the eldest of the Pleiades (nymphs) and thus a daughter of Atlas and Pleione. Through Zeus, she became the mother of Hermes. The Greek name likely derives from the Ancient Greek word maîa (μαῖᾰ) meaning 'good mother, foster mother, nurse', originally from Ancient Greek mḗtēr (μήτηρ) meaning 'mother, source, origin'. As a first name of Greek origin, Maia and thus also Maja means approximately 'the good mother'. In Roman mythology, Maia is the goddess of growth and spring. Her name is traced back to the Latin word maior meaning 'greater', so in this case, Maia means 'the greater'. Since the month of May is also said to be named after the spring goddess, the name is often more freely translated as 'the one born in May'. However, whether the name of the month May derives from the name of the goddess and the Latin maior or from Latin maiores meaning 'ancestors' is disputed. The girl's name Maja is not only widely used in Germany but also internationally. It is found primarily in the Scandinavian and Slavic regions alongside the German-speaking area. In Germany, the name became particularly known through the fictional literary and animated character 'Biene Maja', who first appeared in the 1912 books 'Die Biene Maja und ihre Abenteuer' by the German author Waldemar Bonsels. Almost on par with the variant Maya, Maja has been one of the most popular girls' names in Germany for several years.

Where does the name Maja come from?

Etymology Maja is a female first name of ancient Hebrew and Latin origin. Ancient Greek Ancient Hebrew Latin

How do you pronounce Maja?

Sound & pronunciation of Maja: The name Maja is two syllables and flows softly. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as 'Ma-ja' [ˈmaːja], starting with a long, open 'a' that conveys warmth. The gentle connection to the second syllable ensures a harmonious movement. Maja appears friendly and natural - uncomplicated, lively, and bright.

When is the name day of Maja?

The most important name day for Maja as a variant of Maria is September 12 (Feast of the Holy Name of Mary).

Popularity

In the 1920s to the early 1930s, the girl's name Maja in Germany predominantly ranged between Top 120 and Top 190, thus belonging to the extended midfield. A placement within the Top 100 was not yet achieved in this early phase. In the mid-1930s to late 1940s, the name mostly remained between Top 100 and Top 150.

Nicknames & pet names

Aja / Bienchen / Biene-Maja / Mahaja / Mai / Maida / Maidsch / Maitsche / Maitschi / Maj / Maja-Popaja / Majaliene / Majce / Majchen / Majci / Majenka / Maji / Majica Maica / Majitschka / Majka / Majlo / Majmaj / Majo / Majonaise / Majooooo / Majorsch / Majscha / Maju / Majuni / Majusch / Majuschinka / Majuschka / Maki / Mala / Malla / Malo / Mari / May / Mayla / Mayo / Mej / Meja / Meya / Milli / Milo / Mojo / Papaya

Similar first names

Famous people

• Biene Maja (animated character)
• Krösa Maja (from 'Michel aus Lönneberga')
• Maja Apostoloska (Macedonian poet)
• Maja Bajevic (artist from Bosnia and Herzegovina)
• Maja Burazer (Croatian volleyball player)
• Maja Dahlqvist (Swedish skier)
• Maja Gunvor Erlandsen (wrestler from Norway)
• Maja Haderlap (writer)
• Maja Herman Sekulic (writer from the USA)
• Maja Ivarsson (Swedish singer)
• Maja Juric (Bosnian actress)
• Maja Klepic (Alpine ski racer from Bosnia and Herzegovina)
• Maja Krag (model)
• Maja Latinovic (Serbian Victoria's Secret model)
• Maja Lehrer (theater actress from Germany)
• Maja Lex (ballet dancer from Germany)
• Maja Lidia Kossakowska (writer from the USA)
• Maja Mandzuka (actress from Serbia)
• Maja Maranov (actor (The Luck at the Other End of the World))
• Maja Matevzic (Slovenian tennis player)