Find out how popular the first name Ma has been for the last 44 years (from 1975 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ma by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Ma is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ma.

The history of the first name Ma

The given name Ma has its origins in various cultures and languages around the world. It is a short and simple name that holds diverse meanings and historical significance.

In Chinese culture, the name Ma is derived from the character "马" which means "horse." It is a common surname and can also be used as a given name, especially for boys. The name has a long history in China, dating back to ancient times when horses were highly revered animals.

In Sanskrit, the name Ma is derived from the word "Maa," which means "mother." It is a sacred name in Hindu culture and is often used as a term of endearment for mothers or to address the divine feminine energy. The name has been mentioned in various Hindu scriptures and texts.

In Egyptian mythology, Ma was the personification of truth, balance, and order. She was often depicted as a goddess with a feather on her head, symbolizing truth and justice. The name was associated with the concept of cosmic harmony and the cyclical nature of the universe.

In the historical records, one of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ma is from ancient Egypt. There was a queen named Ma'atmuck who ruled around 1550 BCE during the 17th Dynasty. She was known for her political influence and her support of the arts and culture.

Another notable figure with the name Ma was Ma Yuan, a Chinese painter and poet who lived during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279 CE). He was renowned for his landscape paintings and his mastery of the gongbi (meticulous brushwork) style.

In the realm of philosophy, Ma Duanlin (1245-1322 CE) was a Chinese scholar and historian who wrote the comprehensive historical work "Wenxian Tongkao" (General Study of Literary Remains). His work was instrumental in preserving and documenting China's rich cultural heritage.

In the Buddhist tradition, Ma Tsu (709-788 CE), also known as Mazu or Mara, was a Chinese Zen master who played a significant role in the development of the Chan (Zen) school of Buddhism. He was known for his unconventional teaching methods and his emphasis on direct experience over theoretical knowledge.

Moving to the modern era, Ma Huateng (born 1971) is a Chinese business magnate and co-founder of Tencent, one of the largest internet and technology companies in the world. He is one of the wealthiest individuals in China and has been instrumental in shaping the country's digital landscape.

These are just a few examples of the diverse historical figures who have carried the name Ma, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and significance across various civilizations and time periods.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ma was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ma, please contact us.

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