All about the name

Ma

Female

« Ma is a centuries-old Chinese name derived from 'hemp' or 'horse', signifying strength and nobility; it was also a respected title for women in ancient China. »

#22267 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

Ma is a name of Chinese origin, derived from the Mandarin Chinese word "ma" which means "hemp". This name has been used in China for centuries and was popular among families who were involved in the production or trade of hemp. The character for Ma also means " Horse", so this name can be associated with strength, speed, and nobility. In some cases, it may have been chosen for its phonetic similarity to other words such as "ma" which means "mother" in Chinese. Ma is not just a name but also a title given to women in ancient China. It was used by women who were respected members of their communities and held high social status. This could be due to their accomplishments or their family background. Throughout history, there have been many notable figures named Ma. One famous example is Ma Jun, a mathematician and engineer during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. He invented the mechanical contrivance, a complex lock system, and made significant contributions to cartography. Today, Ma continues to be popular as a given name in China and among Chinese communities worldwide. It is often chosen for its strong meaning and historical significance. Despite its origin, Ma can also be used as an unisex name, as the character "ma" can represent both masculine and feminine qualities.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Ma since 1880

Total births
630
Total since 1880
Peak year
1990
31 births
in 2018
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years