Mary: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: ma-hre-e
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 · 3 mins read
Region Origin: Southern Europe
Meaning: Drop of the sea

The name Mary is of Latin and Greek origins and has various meanings, including "drop of the sea," "bitterness," "beloved," and "wished for a child". It is the anglicized version of Maria, which originates from the Hebrew Miriam or Mariam. The name has its roots in Hebrew, with Miriam being the name of Moses' sister in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is also considered that the name Mary may have originated from the Egyptian language, derived from the root "mr," meaning "love" or "beloved". Mary has been a popular name throughout history, with various notable figures and fictional characters sharing the name. Some well-known people named Mary include actresses Mary Astor and Mary Tyler Moore, tennis player Mary Pierce, author Mary Shelley, and the beloved Meryl Streep, who was given the name at birth. The name has been consistently popular in the United States, ranking as the most popular name for girls from 1880 until 1961. In England, it has been used since the 12th century and has been among the most common feminine names since the 16th century.

Mary Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Mary is currently #347 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Girl: Mary is currently #186 on Kiindred Girl Names
gender-male Overall Unique: Mary is currently #344 on Kiindred Unique Names
gender-female Girl Unique: Mary is currently #186 on Kiindred Girl Unique Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Parents Who Like the Name Mary Also Like:

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

Famous People Named Mary

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

  • Mary Shelley: Mary Shelley was an English novelist best known for writing "Frankenstein," a landmark work of Gothic literature. She passed away in 1851.
  • Mary J. Blige: Mary J. Blige is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known as the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" and for her hit songs like "Family Affair" and "Real Love."
  • Mary Tyler Moore: Mary Tyler Moore was an American actress, producer, and social advocate known for her roles in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show." She passed away in 2017.
  • Mary Lou Retton: Mary Lou Retton is an American former gymnast who won a gold medal in the individual all-around competition at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
  • Mary Elle Fanning: Mary Elle Fanning an American actress known for her roles in films such as Somewhere and Maleficent.
  • Mary Wollstonecraft: Mary Wollstonecraft an English writer and philosopher who is best known for her influential work, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.
  • Mary Poppins: a fictional character from a series of children's books and films.
  • Mary Crown: Princess of Denmark, Countess of Monpezat, a member of the Danish royal family.
  • Mary Richards: a fictional character from the television show The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
  • Mary-Louis Parker: an actress known for her roles in television and film.
  • Mary-Kate Olsen: an actress and fashion designer who is best known for her role in the television show Full House.
  • Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio: an actress known for her roles in films like The Color of Money and Chicago.

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