First of the seven daughters to Atlas and Pleione, Maia was beloved by Zeus and gave birth to Hermes. It is believed that the month of May was named in her honor because of the Spring ceremonies in which "May-flowers" were offered as tribute to the "Mother-goddess". (Maia = Ma = Mother) / Also the brightest star in the Pleiades star group.
Maia, in Greek mythology, was the eldest of the Pleiades, the seven daughters of Atlas and Pleione. She and her sisters, born on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia, are sometimes called mountain goddesses. Maia was the oldest, most beautiful and shyest.
MAIA (20 Tauri). The Pleiades (star cluster), the Seven Sisters star cluster (one of two naked eye clusters that belong to Taurus, the other the Hyades (star cluster)), twinkle high in northern hemisphere autumn and winter skies, while shining closer to the horizon in the skies of southern hemisphere spring and summer. Maia, a proper name, is one of the seven mythical daughters of Atlas and Pleione.