Mahia is a unique and distinctive given name of Polynesian origin. It is believed to have originated from the Cook Islands, an island group in the South Pacific Ocean. The exact meaning of Mahia varies depending on the source, but it is often interpreted as "to give birth" or "new beginnings." This interpretation makes Mahia a fitting name for a child, symbolizing new life and fresh starts.
The history of the name Mahia is intertwined with Polynesian culture and traditions. In some Polynesian languages, such as Maori, "mahia" can also mean "to do, to make, or to create." This association gives the name Mahia a powerful connotation, suggesting creativity, productivity, and determination.
In recent years, Mahia has gained international recognition due in part to its use by prominent figures. For instance, Mahia Blackmore is a New Zealand netball player who won a silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. This exposure has contributed to the name's growing popularity worldwide.
Despite its increasing familiarity, Mahia remains a relatively uncommon given name. Its unique Polynesian origin and powerful meaning make it an attractive choice for parents seeking distinctive names for their children. As a unisex name, Mahia is suitable for both boys and girls, adding to its versatility and appeal.
The name Mahia has seen varied popularity over the past decade in the United States. With a total of 86 babies being named Mahia between 2011 and 2023, this unique name has maintained a consistent presence among newborns.
In the year 2011, six little girls were named Mahia, marking the beginning of this decade's data on the name. The popularity of Mahia remained steady in subsequent years, with six births again recorded in both 2013 and 2014. However, a slight dip occurred in 2015 with only five babies being named Mahia.
The year 2016 saw an increase in the number of newborns named Mahia, with nine girls bearing this name. This trend continued into 2017 and 2018, with six and eleven births respectively. The years 2019 and 2020 were consistent with each other, both recording seven births for the name Mahia.
In the most recent years available, 2021 saw nine babies named Mahia, while 2022 had eight births bearing this unique name. The latest year on record, 2023, has seen six newborns named Mahia thus far.
Overall, these statistics illustrate that while Mahia may not be one of the most popular names in the United States, it does maintain a consistent presence among parents who choose to bestow this distinctive name upon their daughters. The varied yearly totals also suggest that Mahia is not subject to dramatic trends or fads, but rather holds steady as a unique and appealing choice for parents.