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Marian

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAIR-ee-un /ˈmɛər.i.ən/High

Meaning: Beloved; a blend of Mary (Hebrew Miriam: beloved, bitter, wished-for) and Ann (Hebrew Hannah: grace, favor)High

In 30 seconds: A compound of Mary and Ann, combining two of the most beloved biblical names into one graceful form. Associated with Maid Marian of Robin Hood and the opera Marian by composer Frank Loesser.

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Origin HighHebrew, English

MeaningBeloved; a blend of Mary (Hebrew Miriam: beloved, bitter, wished-for) and Ann (Hebrew Hannah: grace, favor)

U.S. rank (2025)#1103 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births217 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1924

Total births (all-time)≈ 141,943

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Marian is a compound or blend of Mary (Hebrew Miriam) and Ann (Hebrew Hannah: grace). It may also be a direct Latinate form of Maria. The name Maid Marian entered the Robin Hood legend through French pastourelles featuring characters named Robin and Marion.

Marian was popular in the U.S. in the first half of the 20th century. It ranked #1151 for girls in 2024.

Did you know? Maid Marian's character in the Robin Hood legend is believed to have been added to the story in the 15th–16th century, originally as a separate French May Day festival figure (Marion from 'The Play of Robin and Marion') who was later grafted onto the English outlaw tale.

Overall data confidence 89%

Behind the Name — Marian — Hebrew compound etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MarionMariannMarianne

Nicknames

MariNan

Famous Bearers

★Maid Marian (fictional)
The romantic love interest of Robin Hood in English legend. The character entered the Robin Hood tradition by the 16th century, drawing on French folk and May Games traditions.

If you like Marian…

Marianne— the French form of the same Mary-Ann compound

Marion— the French form (with one n) of the same name

Marie— the French form of Mary, a component of Marian

Miriam— the Hebrew original of Mary that feeds into Marian

Anna— the other component of the Mary-Ann compound

Explore names like Marian

By themeenglish hebrew classic three-syllable literary compound

By meaningLove Grace

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Marian mean?

Marian combines Mary (Hebrew: beloved) and Ann (Hebrew: grace), or is a Latinate form of Mary. It means 'beloved grace' or 'bitter grace.'

How do you pronounce Marian?

It's said MAIR-ee-un — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Marian a boy or girl name?

Marian is used primarily as a girls' name.

How popular is Marian?

Marian ranked #1151 for U.S. girls in 2024.