Mary
Mary is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning “Wished-for child, beloved”, pronounced MAIR-ee. It ranked #125 in the United States in 2025, given to 2,230 babies, and peaked at #1 in 1880. Common nicknames: Mae, Molly, Polly.
How popular is Mary 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 Mary mean, and where does it come from?
Mary is the English form of Miriam, a Hebrew name whose meaning is debated among scholars, with proposed meanings including "wished-for child," "beloved," and "bitter" or "sea of bitterness." It is above all the name of Mary, mother of Jesus, making it arguably the most significant female name in Christian history and one of the most used names of all time in the Western world. For centuries, Mary was the single most popular girl's name in the United States and United Kingdom, only losing its dominant position in the mid-20th century. Despite declining from the very top, Mary remains a timeless, universally recognized name of profound religious and historical weight.
How is Mary used around the world?
Mary is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Mary?
Famous People Named Mary
- Mary, mother of Jesus — central figure in Christianity
- Mary Shelley — English author of Frankenstein
- Mary Berry — British food writer and television presenter
Similar Names to Mary
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Sibling Name Ideas for Mary
Looking for names that pair well with Mary? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Mary mean?
Mary is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "Wished-for child, beloved." Mary is the English form of Miriam, a Hebrew name whose meaning is debated among scholars, with proposed meanings including "wished-for child," "beloved," and "bitter" or "sea of bitterness." It is above all the name of Mary, mother of Jesus, making it arguably the most significant female name in Christian history and one of the most used names of all time in the Western world.
How do you pronounce Mary?
Mary is pronounced MAIR-ee. Common variations include Marie, Maria, Mari.
Is Mary a girl name?
Yes, Mary is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Mae, Molly, Polly.