Maja

Maja is a Slavic and Scandinavian short form of Maria, itself derived from the Hebrew Miryam, whose meaning is debated but often interpreted as beloved, rebellious, or drop of the sea. The name also connects independently to the Roman goddess Maia, a deity of spring and growth whose name is related to the Latin root for greatness or increase. It is widely used across Germany, Poland, Croatia, and the Nordic countries, making it one of the more internationally distributed pet forms of Maria. Related forms include Maya, Maia, and Mara.