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Home › Baby Names Directory › Masha

Masha

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAH-shah /ˈmɑ.ʃɑ/Medium

Meaning: Russian pet form of Maria — from Hebrew Miriam, 'beloved' or 'bitter'; routes debatedMedium

In 30 seconds: The Russian Mary, warmly: Masha pets Maria — 'beloved' (or 'bitter'). Soft, classic, and tender (Chekhov's heroines, and Masha & the Bear).
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Origin MediumHebrew, Russian
MeaningRussian pet form of Maria — from Hebrew Miriam, 'beloved' or 'bitter'; routes debated
U.S. rank (2025)#7026 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births16 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 570

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202219512025

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

Masha is the Russian pet form of Maria — from Hebrew Miriam, variously 'beloved', 'bitter', or 'wished-for child' (routes debated, which we note). A warm, classic name across Russia and the Slavic world.

In the U.S. it appears in Slavic families. Rare, beloved-or-bitter at the root, and tender.

Did you know? Masha is the affectionate Russian form of Maria — from Hebrew Miriam — borne by Chekhov's heroines and the cartoon Masha; warm and classic.
Overall data confidence 80%
Behind the Name — Maria — routes debated

Variations

MariaMariyaMary

Nicknames

Mashenka

Famous Bearers

  • ★Masha Gessen (1967-)
    Russian-American journalist and author known for books on Vladimir Putin and LGBTQ rights

If you like Masha…

Maria— the full name
Dasha— a fellow Russian pet name
Sasha— a companion Russian name
Misha— a fellow Hebrew choice
Isha— another Hebrew name

Explore names like Masha

By themeuncertainhebrewnickname-namerussian
By meaningLove

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Masha mean?

Masha is the Russian Maria, from Miriam — 'beloved' or 'bitter'; the routes are debated.

How do you pronounce Masha?

It's said MAH-shah /ˈmɑ.ʃɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Masha a boy or girl name?

Masha is a girl's name.

How popular is Masha?

Masha is a rare name in the U.S.

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