Maitri as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Maitri

What is the meaning of the name Maitri ?

The baby name Maitri is a Female name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced MY-tree (IPA: /ˈmaɪtriː/ or /ˈmaɪtri/).

Maitri is Sanskrit in Origin.

Rooted in Sanskrit, Maitri (maitrī) stems from mitra, "friend," and denotes friendship, benevolence, and loving-kindness. The concept is central to Indian philosophy and Buddhism as one of the four brahmavihāras; its Pali counterpart is mettā, familiar from the Metta meditation. Related is Maitreya, "the benevolent one," name of the future Buddha. Common pronunciations include MY-tree and MEH-tree.

Used as a given name across India and the diaspora - especially among Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, and Nepali speakers - Maitri is predominantly feminine but occasionally unisex. It appears in modern literature, spiritual communities, and yoga culture, valued for its ethical resonance rather than lineage ties. Variants and spellings include Maitree, Maitry, and Maithri (South India); closely related forms are Maitreyi/Maithreyi (a distinct Vedic-era feminine name borne by the philosopher Maitreyi) and the masculine/unisex Maitreya. The name conveys a wish for a life marked by warmth, empathy, and steadfast friendship.