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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

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Original poster

Maya pronunciation

72 replies

GinRummyandRaisin · 30/08/2024 23:37

Can someone please confirm how you pronounce Maya? Or whether there are two possible pronunciations? DH is adamant it's My-a, but I'm sure when we did Maya Angelou at school it was May-a 🧐
Thanks!

OP posts:

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BoleynMemories13 · 31/08/2024 00:49

theduchessofspork · 31/08/2024 00:36

Maya Angelou was May-uh, and she must be the best known one.

I assume it’s just May with an an added like Rose/Rosa. I think it’s as standard as My-uh

Show quote history

Always thought she was My-ah? 🤷‍♀️ Even if she wasn't, one person doesn't make a 'correct' pronunciation. Globally, My-ah tends to be the more common pronunciation across various different cultures but May-ah is definitely an accepted pronunciation.

itsthewordsmorethenanything · 31/08/2024 00:48

May Ahhh

Aria999 · 31/08/2024 00:46

Maya Angelou was May-uh, and she must be the best known one.

I think she's MY-ah. Isn't she?

Ellmau · 31/08/2024 00:45

I think they're both acceptable.

PreggersWithBaby2 · 31/08/2024 00:43

Ive taught a few and all have pronounced it My-ah.

SummerSplashing · 31/08/2024 00:42

If pronounce it May Ah unless they request it otherwise

Go for Joy instead

🤣

notanothernamechange24 · 31/08/2024 00:42

Definitely May-ah!!!!

NewName24 · 31/08/2024 00:39

Aria999 · 30/08/2024 23:47

MY-ah is the standard pronunciation (rhymes with fire)

Though I believe some people choose to go by Maya (rhymes with hay)

This.

I'd say "My-uh" is the 'correct' way but I've met families with a child they call May-uh

Kitkat1523 · 31/08/2024 00:38

Known a few from the school gates …..always my ya

theduchessofspork · 31/08/2024 00:36

BoleynMemories13 · 31/08/2024 00:32

My-ah is the more internationally accepted pronunciation of Maya (like the Mayans), but some people do pronounce it May-ah so it will always be one of those problematic names with two accepted pronunciations, like Sara, Evelyn, Esme etc.

Maya Angelou was May-uh, and she must be the best known one.

I assume it’s just May with an an added like Rose/Rosa. I think it’s as standard as My-uh

BoleynMemories13 · 31/08/2024 00:32

Pieceofpurplesky · 31/08/2024 00:13

I'm sat here saying My-a Fire Higher and they all sound the same.

I've taught children with both pronunciations

theduchessofspork · 30/08/2024 23:59

MissEloiseBridgerton · 30/08/2024 23:49

Yeah MY-ah like that Mayans. It definitely does not rhyme with Fire 🤣

It rhymes in my accent

theduchessofspork · 30/08/2024 23:59

Can be May-ah or My-ah, confusingly

Saniflo33 · 30/08/2024 23:53

I know two and each pronounces it the two different ways in your OP. I'd say either is fine, but setting up child for lifetime of "oh no actually it's pronounced..."

Aria999 · 30/08/2024 23:52

MissEloiseBridgerton · 30/08/2024 23:49

Yeah MY-ah like that Mayans. It definitely does not rhyme with Fire 🤣

lol how do you say fire?

'Higher' then?

MissEloiseBridgerton · 30/08/2024 23:49

Yeah MY-ah like that Mayans. It definitely does not rhyme with Fire 🤣

ladyinthecampervan · 30/08/2024 23:48

I’m also with the ones who say My-a

like the Mayans (my-anns) in ancient Mexico, or more recently Maya Jama

Aria999 · 30/08/2024 23:47

MY-ah is the standard pronunciation (rhymes with fire)

Though I believe some people choose to go by Maya (rhymes with hay)

Limelimb · 30/08/2024 23:43

I only know Maya pronounced My-a.
Also only heard My-a Angelou

PinkDreamer · 30/08/2024 23:38

I would have said May-a but I recently met a Maya who pronounces it My-a so I’m guessing that’s correct

MrsSkylerWhite · 30/08/2024 23:37

My-ya

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