Holding steady, #4,661 for girls today.
Popularity of Mayan since 1990
Babies named Mayan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 72 | 9 |
| 2000s | 79 | 56 |
| 2010s | 76 | 95 |
| 2020s | 147 | 102 |
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
Sibling names for Mayan
Names that share Mayan's style, for a brother or sister.

