diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/api/plugin.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/api/plugin.py
index bfe01c8981..4d467840dd 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/api/plugin.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/api/plugin.py
@@ -575,8 +575,8 @@ class ReferenceLoader(Loader):
             raise LoadError("No namespace specified in "
                             "Maya ReferenceLoader settings")
         elif not custom_naming['group_name']:
-            raise LoadError("No group name specified in "
-                            "Maya ReferenceLoader settings")
+            self.log.debug("No custom group_name, no group will be created.")
+            options["attach_to_root"] = False
 
         formatting_data = {
             "asset_name": asset['name'],
diff --git a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_reference.py b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_reference.py
index d339aff69c..c8d3b3128a 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_reference.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/maya/plugins/load/load_reference.py
@@ -9,7 +9,8 @@ from openpype.hosts.maya.api.lib import (
     maintained_selection,
     get_container_members,
     parent_nodes,
-    create_rig_animation_instance
+    create_rig_animation_instance,
+    get_reference_node
 )
 
 
@@ -123,6 +124,10 @@ class ReferenceLoader(openpype.hosts.maya.api.plugin.ReferenceLoader):
         attach_to_root = options.get("attach_to_root", True)
         group_name = options["group_name"]
 
+        # no group shall be created
+        if not attach_to_root:
+            group_name = namespace
+
         path = self.filepath_from_context(context)
         with maintained_selection():
             cmds.loadPlugin("AbcImport.mll", quiet=True)
@@ -148,11 +153,10 @@ class ReferenceLoader(openpype.hosts.maya.api.plugin.ReferenceLoader):
             if current_namespace != ":":
                 group_name = current_namespace + ":" + group_name
 
-            group_name = "|" + group_name
-
             self[:] = new_nodes
 
             if attach_to_root:
+                group_name = "|" + group_name
                 roots = cmds.listRelatives(group_name,
                                            children=True,
                                            fullPath=True) or []
@@ -205,6 +209,11 @@ class ReferenceLoader(openpype.hosts.maya.api.plugin.ReferenceLoader):
                 self._post_process_rig(name, namespace, context, options)
             else:
                 if "translate" in options:
+                    if not attach_to_root and new_nodes:
+                        root_nodes = cmds.ls(new_nodes, assemblies=True,
+                                             long=True)
+                        # we assume only a single root is ever loaded
+                        group_name = root_nodes[0]
                     cmds.setAttr("{}.translate".format(group_name),
                                  *options["translate"])
             return new_nodes
diff --git a/website/docs/admin_hosts_maya.md b/website/docs/admin_hosts_maya.md
index 700822843f..93acf316c2 100644
--- a/website/docs/admin_hosts_maya.md
+++ b/website/docs/admin_hosts_maya.md
@@ -113,7 +113,8 @@ This is useful to fix some specific renderer glitches and advanced hacking of Ma
 #### Namespace and Group Name
 Here you can create your own custom naming for the reference loader.
 
-The custom naming is split into two parts: namespace and group name. If you don't set the namespace or the group name, an error will occur.
+The custom naming is split into two parts: namespace and group name. If you don't set the namespace, an error will occur.
+Group name could be set empty, that way no wrapping group will be created for loaded item.
 Here's the different variables you can use:
 
 <div class="row markdown">