Maria

♀ Girl

Pronounced muh-REE-uh /məˈriː.ə/High

Meaning: Sea of bitterness; or beloved; wished-for child — Latin and Greek form of Hebrew Miryam (Mary)Medium

In 30 seconds: The Latin form of Mary, itself of Hebrew origin with debated meaning. Maria is one of the most widely used women's names in history, spanning Christianity, Islam, and countless cultures worldwide.

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Origin HighHebrew, Latin

MeaningSea of bitterness; or beloved; wished-for child — Latin and Greek form of Hebrew Miryam (Mary)

Peak year1964

Total births (all-time)≈ 543,324

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Maria is the Latin and Greek form of Mary, from the Hebrew Miryam (or Miriam). The exact meaning of Miryam is much debated; proposed meanings include 'sea of bitterness,' 'beloved,' and 'wished-for child.'

As the name of the Virgin Mary, Maria became one of the most popular names in the Christian world. It remains among the top names in dozens of countries and has been a perennial presence in U.S. name data.

Did you know? Ave Maria — the Latin prayer to the Virgin Mary — has been set to music hundreds of times, most famously by Franz Schubert (1825) and Johann Sebastian Bach/Charles Gounod.

Variations

MaryMarieMiriamMariiaMariya

Nicknames

MariMiaRia

Famous Bearers

★Maria Callas (1923–1977)
Greek-American opera soprano, widely regarded as the greatest opera singer of the 20th century.

If you like Maria…

Lucia— Latin saint's name with the same warm three-syllable Latinate flow

Elena— romantic Latin/Greek classic with the same timeless European grace

Isabella— extended form of the same root with Italian grandeur

Clara— crisp Latin classic with the same saint's name heritage

Frequently Asked

What does the name Maria mean?

Maria is the Latin form of Mary, from the Hebrew Miryam. The meaning is debated but often given as 'sea of bitterness,' 'beloved,' or 'wished-for child.'

How do you pronounce Maria?

It is said muh-REE-uh /məˈriː.ə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Maria a boy or girl name?

Maria is almost exclusively a girl's name.

How popular is Maria?

Maria has been among the most popular names globally for centuries and remains in the U.S. top 200 girls' names.