Mary
Wished-for child, beloved — a girl name of Hebrew origin
Popularity of 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.
Meaning & Origin of Mary
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.
Mary 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.
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
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Sibling Name Ideas for Mary
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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.
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