The name Maia has its origins in ancient Roman mythology, derived from the name of the goddess Maia, who was the personification of the earth's fertility and an embodiment of the concept of growth. This name is believed to have originated from the Latin word "maius" or "maior," meaning "great" or "larger," reflecting the goddess's role in promoting abundance and growth.

Maia was particularly revered during the month of May, which was named after her in the Roman calendar. In ancient Roman culture, the month of May was associated with the blossoming of spring, and the goddess Maia was celebrated as a symbol of this season's renewal and fertility.

The earliest known reference to the name Maia can be found in the writings of ancient Roman authors, such as Ovid and Virgil, who mentioned her in their works on Roman mythology. Ovid's "Fasti" and Virgil's "Aeneid" both contain references to the goddess Maia and her significance in Roman religious traditions.

Throughout history, the name Maia has been bestowed upon various influential figures. One notable example is Maia, the eldest of the seven sisters known as the Pleiades in Greek mythology. In the 4th century BCE, the Greek philosopher Plato mentioned Maia in his writings, referring to her as the "mother of the divine and lovely Hermes."

Another famous bearer of the name Maia was Maia, the mother of the Roman emperor Augustus (63 BCE - 14 CE), who played a significant role in shaping the Roman Empire during its formative years.

In the 20th century, the name gained popularity with the birth of Maia Plisetskaya (1925 - 2015), a renowned Russian prima ballerina who was considered one of the greatest ballet dancers of her time.

Additionally, Maia Sandu, born in 1972, is the current President of Moldova, serving since 2020. She has played a crucial role in promoting democratic reforms and strengthening Moldova's ties with the European Union.

The name Maia has also been associated with notable figures in the arts and literature, such as Maia Morgenstern, a Romanian actress born in 1962, and Maia Kozeva, a Bulgarian writer born in 1974.