Holding steady.
Popularity of Ma since 1924
Babies named Ma per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 22 |
| 1930s | 18 |
| 1940s | 6 |
| 1950s | 31 |
| 1960s | 33 |
| 1970s | 40 |
| 1980s | 125 |
| 1990s | 217 |
| 2000s | 113 |
| 2010s | 26 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
The name Ma is a concise, one-syllable name that has seen consistent but low usage in the United States. First recorded in 1924, its peak popularity came in 1990, yet it has never entered the top 1000 rankings. As of 2025, its trajectory remains stable, with no notable top states of usage. This suggests Ma is a rare choice, likely used as a short form of longer names or in families with specific cultural backgrounds. Its simplicity and brevity make it a distinctive option for parents seeking a minimal name.
Ma is a short form or variant of longer names like Margaret or Mary, or may be a standalone name from various cultures. In English-speaking contexts, it is often used as a nickname or given name with no single clear derivation.
“Ma” around the world
Where Ma lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Ma
Names that share Ma's style, for a brother or sister.
