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Maryann

♀ Girl

Pronounced mehr-ee-AN /mɛɹ.i.ˈæn/Medium

Meaning: Sea of bitternessMedium

In 30 seconds: Maryann is an English girl's name traditionally read as 'sea of bitterness,' the meaning long attached to Mary. It joins Mary and Ann into a single flowing compound.
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Origin MediumEnglish
MeaningSea of bitterness
U.S. rank (2024)#2222 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births85 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1943
Total births (all-time)≈ 62,831

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 194318802024

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

History & Origin

The name's meaning, 'sea of bitterness,' comes from the Mary element at its heart, a sense carried through centuries of use. Maryann fuses Mary with Ann, a pairing that became a familiar double name in English-speaking families. Written as one word, it reads as a single given name rather than two.

It has a warm, old-fashioned cadence that feels both formal and friendly. American actress Maryann Plunkett, a Tony Award winner also seen in films like 'Blue Valentine,' bears the name.

Did you know? The meaning usually attached to Maryann is 'sea of bitterness', and that core idea is what gives the name most of its long-term appeal.
Overall data confidence 78%
Behind the Name - Maryann — etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration — 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSV

Variations

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Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • ★Maryann Plunkett (1952-present)
    American actress and Tony Award winner for 'Me and My Girl', also known for films like 'Blue Valentine'.

If you like Maryann…

Mary— The first element of Maryann and the source of its 'sea of bitterness' meaning.
Ann— The second element joined into Maryann.
Marianne— Another blend of Mary and Ann, with a French-flavored spelling.

Frequently Asked

What does the name Maryann mean?

Maryann is usually explained as meaning 'sea of bitterness' and is most often linked with English tradition.

How do you pronounce Maryann?

It's commonly said mehr-ee-AN /mɛɹ.i.ˈæn/.

Is Maryann a boy or girl name?

In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Maryann is used as a girl name.

How popular is Maryann?

In 2024, Maryann ranked #2222 in the U.S. for girls, with 85 births recorded.