Maia Shibutani
Ice dancer; 2018 Winter Olympics competitor; sibling partnership with Alex Shibutani
Maia Shibutani (born November 20, 1994) is an American professional ice dancer best known for her partnership with her brother Alex Shibutani. Together, they became one of the most successful ice dancing pairs in American history, representing the United States at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang where they placed 5th. The Shibutani siblings were known for their innovative choreography, athleticism, and ability to tell stories through ice dance. Maia and Alex won multiple medals at U.S. Championships and competed at numerous international competitions, helping to elevate American ice dancing on the world stage. Beyond their competitive achievements, the Shibutanis brought a fresh, modern aesthetic to ice dance, incorporating contemporary music and innovative choreographic elements. After retiring from competitive skating, Maia has remained involved in the sport through various professional endeavors and has built a presence in entertainment and digital media.
Athlete
American
1994
Thinking about the name
Maia
Greek origin
“From Greek mythology, Maia was one of the Pleiades, daughter of Atlas, and represents the eldest and most luminous of the seven sisters. In Roman tradition, she was the goddess of growth and motherhood, lending the name maternal warmth and celestial grace. The name has been beloved across centuries for its mythological depth, simplicity, and the sense of timeless femininity it conveys.”