We derive the name of the month of May from this goddess who appears in both Greek and Roman legend.
A a Roman goddess she is the daughter of Atlas and Pleione, and the mother of Mercury by Jupiter.
In Greece, she was "grandmother," "midwife," or "wise one" (variant meanings of her name). Originally the goddess of the night sky, and mother to Hermes.
The Romans identified the Greek Maia with their fire-goddess of the same name; she, like Flora, ruled the forces of warmth and growth, including sexual heat.
Maia's festival was held on the first day of her month (May), a rite that still survives in the Christian dedication of May to Mary.