Mayan
/ˈmaɪ.ən/noun
Relating to the Maya peoples, languages, or civilizations of Mesoamerica.
Did you know?Although “Mayan” is widely used in English, many scholars prefer “Maya” for the people and reserve “Mayan” mainly for the family of Maya languages.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Columbian period
Maya languages
Maya
“The self-designation associated with the Maya peoples; the deeper origin of the term is uncertain.”
16th Century
Spanish
Maya
“Name used by Spanish colonizers for the Maya people and their region.”
16th–17th Century
Spanish
maya
“A noun or adjective referring to the Maya people, culture, or language.”
19th Century
English
Mayan
“English adjective and noun referring to the Maya civilization, people, or languages.”
Modern English
English
Mayan
“Commonly used for anything relating to the Maya, though specialists often distinguish “Maya” the people from “Mayan” the language family.”