Maria: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: ma-hre-e-a-h
Origin: Italy
gender-female

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Aug 14, 2024 · 2 mins read
Region Origin: Southern Europe
Meaning: Star of the sea

Maria is a feminine name with origins in Latin, Hebrew, and Greek, holding multiple meanings such as "star of the sea," "bitterness," and "beloved". It is a form of the name Mary, which is closely associated with the Virgin Mary, a highly revered figure in Christianity and Islam. The name Maria is derived from the Latin word "mare," meaning sea, and may also have ties to the Roman god of war, Mars. Additionally, Maria shares origins with the Hebrew name Miriam, which has connections to "bitter sea," "strong waters," and "star of the sea". The name Maria has a rich history and cultural significance. It was frequently given in Southern Europe during the medieval period and has been used to honor specific titles of Mary, feast days associated with Mary, and specific Marian apparitions. In Germanic languages, the name's usage is connected to the Germanic element "mar," meaning "famous". The name Maria has evolved over time to be used as both a feminine and masculine middle name, signifying patronage of the Virgin Mary in French-speaking countries and some Central European countries.

Maria Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Maria is currently #470 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Girl: Maria is currently #263 on Kiindred Girl Names
gender-male Overall Unique: Maria is currently #464 on Kiindred Unique Names
gender-female Girl Unique: Maria is currently #263 on Kiindred Girl Unique Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Parents Who Like the Name Maria Also Like:

Parents who like the name Maria often have similar name preferences and tend to choose popular choices like:

Famous People Named Maria

This section lists notable individuals and public figures named Maria, showcasing their achievements and contributions in various fields.

  • Maria Sharapova: Maria Sharapova is a retired Russian professional tennis player who is a five-time Grand Slam champion.
  • Mariah Carey: Mariah Carey is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer known for her five-octave vocal range and hit songs like "Vision of Love" and "All I Want for Christmas Is You."
  • Maria Montessori: Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator best known for developing the Montessori method of education. She passed away in 1952.
  • Maria Menounos: Maria Menounos is an American entertainment reporter, television personality, actress, and businesswoman known for her work as a correspondent for "Access Hollywood" and "Today."
  • Maria Callas: Maria Callas was a Greek-American soprano and one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century. She passed away in 1977.

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