Maria
Maria is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning “Wished-for child, beloved”, pronounced mah-REE-uh. It ranked #87 in the United States in 2025, given to 2,887 babies, and peaked at #30 in 1975. Common nicknames: Mia, Ria, Mari.
How popular is Maria in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Maria mean, and where does it come from?
Maria is the Latin form of Miriam, the Hebrew name of the sister of Moses, and it is most closely associated with the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, making it one of the most widely used names across Christian cultures worldwide. Nearly universal in form, Maria appears with identical or near-identical spelling in Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, Romanian, and many other languages, giving it a rare cross-cultural ubiquity. It has been borne by queens, saints, and countless women across every century of recorded history. Maria's timeless, melodic sound and profound religious heritage keep it perennially popular around the globe.
How is Maria used around the world?
Maria is used in 13 languages worldwide, with 54+ international variants.
Male FormMarios
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Maria?
Famous People Named Maria
- Maria Callas — Greek-American opera singer
- Maria Sharapova — Russian professional tennis player
- Maria von Trapp — Austrian singer who inspired The Sound of Music
Similar Names to Maria
If you like Maria, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Maria
Looking for names that pair well with Maria? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Maria mean?
Maria is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "Wished-for child, beloved." Maria is the Latin form of Miriam, the Hebrew name of the sister of Moses, and it is most closely associated with the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, making it one of the most widely used names across Christian cultures worldwide. Nearly universal in form, Maria appears with identical or near-identical spelling in Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, Romanian, and many other languages, giving it a rare cross-cultural ubiquity.
How do you pronounce Maria?
Maria is pronounced mah-REE-uh. Common variations include Marie, Mariah, Marya.
Is Maria a girl name?
Yes, Maria is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Mia, Ria, Mari.