MallowbyNames

Mayan

MY-an · The name's meaning is uncertain; it may be a modern coinage derived from the Hebrew name Mayan meaning “spring” (of water) or a variant of Maayan, or it could be an invented name inspired by the Maya civilization or the sound of similar names.

2025 rank (girls)
#4,661
Babies named in 2025
29
Peak popularity
2023
2025 frequency
1 in 55,423 girls
Usually for
Girls & boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #4,661 for girls today.

Popularity of Mayan since 1990

Babies named Mayan per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1121321990200020102020Most births 2022GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1990s729
2000s7956
2010s7695
2020s147102

Meaning & origin

Mayan is a modern, unisex name that first entered U.S. birth records in 1990. While its exact origin is unclear, it may be a variant of the Hebrew name Ma'ayan, meaning “spring,” or an invented name drawing on the global recognition of the Maya civilization. The name saw its peak popularity in 2023, and as of 2025, it ranks 4,661, with about 1 in 55,423 newborns receiving the name. Its trajectory is stable, and it has been most popular in California, which is the top state for the name. Mayan appeals to parents seeking a short, cross-cultural name that fits both boys and girls, though it remains relatively uncommon.

Mayan is a relatively recent name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1990. It may be a variant spelling of the Hebrew name Ma'ayan, meaning “spring” or “fountain,” which is used in Israel. Alternatively, it could be a modern invention inspired by the Maya people and their civilization, or a blend of sounds from names like Maya and Ryan. Its usage has grown slowly but steadily, particularly in California, and is given to both boys and girls.

Where Mayan is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Mayan” around the world

Where Mayan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    20

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: May, Maya

Variants: Maayan, Maya, Mayan

Sibling names for Mayan

Names that share Mayan's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Maya, Ayla, Lila, Naya, Kai

Brothers: Kian, Evan, Liam, Noah, Ryan

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Mayan, our favorite little person.

M is for Mayan…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Mayan's letter becomes Mayan's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Mayan's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Mayan mean?
The meaning of Mayan is uncertain. It may be a variant of the Hebrew name Ma'ayan, meaning “spring” (of water), or it could be a modern invented name.
How popular is Mayan?
Mayan is a rare name. In 2025, it ranked 4,661 in the U.S. and was given to about 1 in 55,423 newborns.
Is Mayan a boy's name or a girl's name?
Mayan is used as a unisex name, given to both boys and girls, though it is slightly more common for boys.