Surname Mayte - Meaning and Origin

Mayte: What does the surname Mayte mean?

The last name Mayte is of Spanish origin and comes from the Latin word “macellum” which means market or marketplace. It is thought to be a topographic name referring to someone who lived near a market.

As a given name, Mayte can be traced back to ancient Greece. It is derived from the name Maia, the goddess of growth in Greek mythology. This connection may have led to people using the name as a surname as well.

Beyond the ancient stories, Mayte has been a name that has evoked positive images and ideas over the centuries. Some of these are harmony, peace and the beauty of nature. Some stories have related a Mayte to a maiden, while others connect it to a bountiful harvest. It has also been used as a praise of women of great beauty and grace throughout the ages.

Mayte is not a common surname, however those who bare it are proud of its symbolism. It has been said that a Mayte carries the promise of hope for a more peaceful and abundant future. As a strong, feminine name it has been passed down through generations as a reminder of the power and potential of womanhood.

Mayte: Where does the name Mayte come from?

The last name Mayte is most commonly found in Latin American nations like Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, and Costa Rica. Mayte is an occupational or patronymic surname derived from Spanish and Portuguese origins. Conceptually, Mayte typically refers to the Spanish word for "Little Maja" — a generic term for a young woman who served as a chorus member and dancer at the popular Comedia-style theater performance in the 17th to 18th centuries.

The popularity of the name Mayte in Latin America is credited to the first conquistador nobleman in Coahuila, Mexico, Don José Mayte, who was born in the late 16th century and later took ownership of a large estate. The particular spelling of the name thus became popularized through Don José, who spawned many mestizo offspring. Today, due to large populations of Mexican and Central American immigrants, the last name Mayte can be commonly observed in the United States, especially in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

Thanks to the commonality of the name, Latino Mayte family descendants in the U.S. often experience a feeling of solidarity and connection to their shared heritage. Members of the Mayte family are some of the most productive members of the Latino population, with many Mayte descendants serving in the military, becoming university professors, pursuing activism, accepting positions in civic offices, and excelling in the arts.

Variations of the surname Mayte

The surname Mayte (also spelled as Maite, Maïte, Maytes and Maiten) is believed to have been derived from the Latin term “maetus” which in turn originated from the ancient Greek term “maitēs” which translates to “a dear friend”.

The surname Mayte is most commonly used in Portugal and Brazil and this name has been present in the Iberian peninsula since the Medieval Times. It has also been found in other countries like the United States, France, Germany, Mexico and Puerto Rico throughout the years.

The variants of Mayte are Maiten, Maïte, Maite, Maytes and Matte.

The known surnames derived from Mayte are Maitem, Maiate, Maita, Maite, Maiten, Maitem and Maitenha.

The origins of this surname are not clear, but its popularity has been building up throughout the centuries, as shown with its multiple spellings and variants all over the world.

Famous people with the name Mayte

• Carmen Mayte: Award-winning Puerto Rican actress and television host.
• Príncipe Mayte: A Cuban musician and percussionist and a leader in the country’s changing musical culture.
• Diego Mayte: Dominican actor and singer who began his musical career in 2017 with the release of his ballad “Principio de Amor.”
• Marieme Mayte: Malian-born film and television actress who is best known for portraying 'Matte' in the French comedy film Mr. Leo (2016).
• Carlos Mayte: Venezuelan classical and jazz saxophonist and composer.
• Miguel Mayte: Dominican actor and television personality best known for his feature film and television roles.
• Juachu Mayte: Mexican-American muralist and media artist.
• Yasmina Mariela Mayte: Argentinian singer-songwriter who hasn’t released a studio album, but has made multiple appearances at music festivals and has released several singles.
• Naim Mayte: Ecuadorian-Italian model based in Rome, Italy who is best known for her work with brands such as L’Oreal Paris, Pull&Bear, and Forever 21.
• Lili Mayte: Mexican-American actress and producer best known for her roles in television shows such as ‘Jane the Virgin’ and ‘The Good Place.’

Other surnames

Maytes