Maitrey

Maitrey is a masculine given name of Indian origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit maitri, meaning friendship, benevolence, or loving-kindness. The name is used primarily in India, Nepal, and among South Asian diaspora communities, often as a variation of Maitri or Maitreya.

Etymology and usage: Maitri is a core concept in Hindu and Buddhist thought, associated with harmony and goodwill. The form Maitrey and related spellings appear in modern naming practices as variants of this root. Spelling variations such as Maitri, Maitrey, and Maitreya reflect different transliteration traditions from Sanskrit and related languages.

Cultural and religious associations: In Buddhist tradition, Maitreya is the future Buddha who is expected to achieve enlightenment and teach the next era. In some contexts, Maitrey or similar variants are used as names that evoke the qualities of friendliness and benevolence associated with Maitri and with the figure of Maitreya. The name thus carries aspirational and cultural associations rather than a single fixed identity.

Contemporary usage: Today, individuals named Maitrey participate in a wide range of professions and communities across the Indian subcontinent and in global diaspora networks. The name remains relatively common in regions where Sanskrit-derived names are prevalent, and it is part of a broader set of related names emphasizing benevolence and social harmony. Variants commonly encountered include Maitri, Maitrey, and Maitreya.