Maau as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Maau

What is the meaning of the name Maau ?

The baby name Maau is a Unisex name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced /maˈa.u/ or /maˈaʊ/ (approx. "MAH-ow").

Maau is in Origin.

Maau is a rare, cross-cultural given name with multiple plausible roots. In Polynesian languages - especially Hawaiian and Samoan - mau denotes “constant, everlasting, steadfast,” and the doubled vowel in Maau is sometimes used to hint at a long ā sound or to add stylistic distinction. The name therefore carries ideas of endurance, commitment, and continuity; related Samoan senses include “to hold fast” and “abundant.” It is unisex and appears in modern Pacific Islander and diaspora communities, sometimes as a variant of Mau.

In Cantonese, Maau (Jyutping: maau1) literally means “cat” (貓), a lively nickname occasionally adopted as a given name, evoking grace, curiosity, and independence. Variants and near-equivalents include Mau and Māu (with macron), while Chinese contexts may reference the character 貓. Though uncommon in historical records, Maau fits contemporary minimalist naming trends and offers layered meanings - from “everlasting” to feline agility - across languages.

⚙ Maau is a rare name. It doesn't appear in any of the major national birth registries we track; we found only 18 recorded uses across 7 countries. Expect very few children to share this name.