Mary Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Mary Name Meaning

Fact: The name Mary has been featured in countless films and TV shows, such as “Mary Poppins,” “There’s Something About Mary,” and “Downton Abbey,” showcasing its versatility in popular culture.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Mary Overview

Meaning

Bitter, wished for a child, star of the sea, beloved, drop of a sea

Gender

Girl

Origin

Hebrew, Latin, Greek, Aramaic

Etymology

Originated from the Hebrew name “Miriam,” meaning “bitter” or “beloved.”

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈmɛə.ri/

Popularity

Mary has been a timeless classic, widely used across many cultures and countries. In the USA, it ranked within the top 200 names for girls in 2023.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

4 letters

Numerology

3 (Expressive, Social, Artistic)

Name Styles

Classic, Traditional, Religious and Spiritual

Associated Traits

Kind, nurturing, faithful, humble

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Mary holds significant importance in Christianity as the mother of Jesus, revered in many religious traditions.

Name Day

September 12 (Polish)
A Deep Dive

Mary Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Maria, Marie, Miriam, Mariah, Mariam

Common Nicknames

Mare, Mimi, May

Diminutives

Mamie, Miri, Ria

Famous People

  • Mary Shelley
    (English Author)
  • Mary Queen of Scots
    (Scottish Royalty)
  • Mary Cassatt
    (American Painter)
  • Mary Todd Lincoln
    (American First Lady)
  • Mary J. Blige
    (American Singer)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • "Mary Poppins"
    (Film)
  • Mary Shelley
    ("Frankenstein," 1818 Novel)
  • Mary Margaret Blanchard
    ("Once Upon a Time," 2011 TV Series)
  • Mary Lennox
    ("The Secret Garden," 1911 Novel)
  • Mary Winchester
    ("Supernatural," 2005 TV Series)

Places

  • Mary River
    (Queensland, Australia)
  • Mary Street
    (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)
  • Mary Lake
    (Ontario, Canada)
  • Mary Island
    (Alaska, USA)
  • Mary Mountain
    (Wyoming, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Mary?

Mary means “beloved” or “wished-for child.” Bearers of the name Mary are often seen as nurturing and compassionate.

What Is the Origin of The Name Mary?

The name Mary has Hebrew origins, derived from the name Miriam, which means “beloved” or “wished-for child.” It has been widely used in Christian tradition, honoring the Virgin Mary, and has remained popular in many cultures throughout history.

Mary Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Mary in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#1322021#1342022#1352023
Top 3 Rankings#11880#11881#11882

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Mary

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023135
(-1 from 2022)
2062
(-52 from 2022)
0.11788
2022134
(-2 from 2021)
2114
(+17 from 2021)
0.11790
2021132
(-9 from 2020)
2097
(-128 from 2020)
0.11705
2020123
(+3 from 2019)
2225
(-12 from 2019)
0.12587
2019126
No change from 2018
2237
(-129 from 2018)
0.12192
2018126
No change from 2017
2366
(-55 from 2017)
0.12723
2017126
No change from 2016
2421
(-104 from 2016)
0.12815
2016126
(-3 from 2015)
2525
(-115 from 2015)
0.13043
2015123
(-3 from 2014)
2640
(+5 from 2014)
0.13532
2014120
(-2 from 2013)
2635
(-32 from 2013)
0.13469
2013118
(+3 from 2012)
2667
(+84 from 2012)
0.13835
2012121
(-9 from 2011)
2583
(-130 from 2011)
0.13318
2011112
(-4 from 2010)
2713
(-167 from 2010)
0.14001
2010108
(-6 from 2009)
2880
(-292 from 2009)
0.14689
2009102
(-6 from 2008)
3172
(-341 from 2008)
0.15664
200896
(-3 from 2007)
3513
(-177 from 2007)
0.16866
200793
(-13 from 2006)
3690
(-419 from 2006)
0.17434
200680
(-8 from 2005)
4109
(-368 from 2005)
0.19655
200572
(-10 from 2004)
4477
(-354 from 2004)
0.22059
200462
(-3 from 2003)
4831
(-205 from 2003)
0.23942
200359
(-10 from 2002)
5036
(-447 from 2002)
0.25099
200249
(-1 from 2001)
5483
(-274 from 2001)
0.27762
200148
(-2 from 2000)
5757
(-461 from 2000)
0.29062
200046
(-1 from 1999)
6218
(-168 from 1999)
0.31156
199945
(-1 from 1998)
6386
(-88 from 1998)
0.32803
199844
(+2 from 1997)
6474
(-176 from 1997)
0.33397
199746
(-2 from 1996)
6650
(-317 from 1996)
0.34831
199644
(-4 from 1995)
6967
(-491 from 1995)
0.36339
199540
(-3 from 1994)
7458
(-297 from 1994)
0.38812
199437
No change from 1993
7755
(-366 from 1993)
0.39782
199337
(-1 from 1992)
8121
(-342 from 1992)
0.41191
199236
(+2 from 1991)
8463
(-300 from 1991)
0.42216
199138
(-3 from 1990)
8763
(+93 from 1990)
0.43095
199035
(+3 from 1989)
8670
(+26 from 1989)
0.42202
198938
(-4 from 1988)
8644
(+130 from 1988)
0.43390
198834
(+3 from 1987)
8514
(+119 from 1987)
0.44272
198737
No change from 1986
8395
(-112 from 1986)
0.44792
198637
(-2 from 1985)
8507
(-732 from 1985)
0.46096
198535
(-2 from 1984)
9239
(-55 from 1984)
0.50040
198433
(-1 from 1983)
9294
(-601 from 1983)
0.51538
198332
(-2 from 1982)
9895
(-956 from 1982)
0.55290
198230
(-3 from 1981)
10851
(-192 from 1981)
0.59809
198127
(-2 from 1980)
11043
(-431 from 1980)
0.61744
198025
(-1 from 1979)
11474
(+918 from 1979)
0.64437
197924
No change from 1978
10556
(+517 from 1978)
0.61255
197824
(-3 from 1977)
10039
(-615 from 1977)
0.61068
197721
(+1 from 1976)
10654
(+335 from 1976)
0.64766
197622
(-3 from 1975)
10319
(-650 from 1975)
0.65647
197519
(-6 from 1974)
10969
(-772 from 1974)
0.70275
197413
(+1 from 1973)
11741
(-572 from 1973)
0.74962
197314
(-1 from 1972)
12313
(-1445 from 1972)
0.79229
197213
(-4 from 1971)
13758
(-2943 from 1971)
0.85318
19719
No change from 1970
16701
(-2502 from 1970)
0.95293
19709
(-1 from 1969)
19203
(-647 from 1969)
1.04828
19698
(-2 from 1968)
19850
(-1871 from 1968)
1.12609
19686
(-2 from 1967)
21721
(-3599 from 1967)
1.27047
19674
(-1 from 1966)
25320
(-3568 from 1966)
1.47481
19663
(-1 from 1965)
28888
(-5385 from 1965)
1.64532
19652
No change from 1964
34273
(-6711 from 1964)
1.87544
19642
No change from 1963
40984
(-560 from 1963)
2.09384
19632
No change from 1962
41544
(-1949 from 1962)
2.08966
19622
(-1 from 1961)
43493
(-4193 from 1961)
2.14580
19611
No change from 1960
47686
(-3790 from 1960)
2.29575
19601
No change from 1959
51476
(-3021 from 1959)
2.47512
19591
No change from 1958
54497
(-1349 from 1958)
2.62180
19581
No change from 1957
55846
(-5256 from 1957)
2.70342
19571
No change from 1956
61102
(-641 from 1956)
2.91221
19561
No change from 1955
61743
(-1430 from 1955)
2.99791
19551
No change from 1954
63173
(-4848 from 1954)
3.15093
19541
No change from 1953
68021
(+3631 from 1953)
3.41669
19531
(+1 from 1952)
64390
(-1237 from 1952)
3.33712
19522
No change from 1951
65627
(-94 from 1951)
3.45043
19512
No change from 1950
65721
(+238 from 1950)
3.55773
19502
No change from 1949
65483
(-1384 from 1949)
3.72374
19492
No change from 1948
66867
(-1733 from 1948)
3.80897
19482
No change from 1947
68600
(-3086 from 1947)
3.93646
19472
(-1 from 1946)
71686
(+4214 from 1946)
3.94340
19461
No change from 1945
67472
(+8192 from 1945)
4.18326
19451
No change from 1944
59280
(-3193 from 1944)
4.40380
19441
No change from 1943
62473
(-3705 from 1943)
4.57166
19431
No change from 1942
66178
(+2924 from 1942)
4.61041
19421
No change from 1941
63254
(+5206 from 1941)
4.54910
19411
No change from 1940
58048
(+1834 from 1940)
4.65878
19401
No change from 1939
56214
(+1315 from 1939)
4.75847
19391
No change from 1938
54899
(-1322 from 1938)
4.84089
19381
No change from 1937
56221
(+577 from 1937)
4.92540
19371
No change from 1936
55644
(+1271 from 1936)
5.05007
19361
No change from 1935
54373
(-705 from 1935)
5.04596
19351
No change from 1934
55078
(-1853 from 1934)
5.06806
19341
No change from 1933
56931
(+1414 from 1933)
5.25999
19331
No change from 1932
55517
(-4364 from 1932)
5.30735
19321
No change from 1931
59881
(-417 from 1931)
5.41274
19311
No change from 1930
60298
(-3855 from 1930)
5.46317
19301
No change from 1929
64153
(+643 from 1929)
5.49982
19291
No change from 1928
63510
(-3360 from 1928)
5.48658
19281
No change from 1927
66870
(-3772 from 1927)
5.59333
19271
No change from 1926
70642
(+2808 from 1926)
5.71333
19261
No change from 1925
67834
(-2752 from 1925)
5.51418
19251
No change from 1924
70586
(-2948 from 1924)
5.58841
19241
No change from 1923
73534
(+1899 from 1923)
5.67535
19231
No change from 1922
71635
(-541 from 1922)
5.71953
19221
No change from 1921
72176
(-1808 from 1921)
5.78530
19211
No change from 1920
73984
(+3001 from 1920)
5.78127
19201
No change from 1919
70983
(+5147 from 1919)
5.70588
19191
No change from 1918
65836
(-1529 from 1918)
5.60480
19181
No change from 1917
67365
(+3085 from 1917)
5.60275
19171
No change from 1916
64280
(+2842 from 1916)
5.72044
19161
No change from 1915
61438
(+3251 from 1915)
5.65875
19151
No change from 1914
58187
(+12841 from 1914)
5.68309
19141
No change from 1913
45346
(+8704 from 1913)
5.69224
19131
No change from 1912
36642
(+4338 from 1912)
5.59493
19121
No change from 1911
32304
(+7914 from 1911)
5.50591
19111
No change from 1910
24390
(+1542 from 1910)
5.52039
19101
No change from 1909
22848
(+3589 from 1909)
5.44615
19091
No change from 1908
19259
(+594 from 1908)
5.23209
19081
No change from 1907
18665
(+1085 from 1907)
5.26472
19071
No change from 1906
17580
(+1210 from 1906)
5.20992
19061
No change from 1905
16370
(+303 from 1905)
5.22279
19051
No change from 1904
16067
(+1106 from 1904)
5.18519
19041
No change from 1903
14961
(+686 from 1903)
5.11601
19031
No change from 1902
14275
(-211 from 1902)
5.13127
19021
No change from 1901
14486
(+1350 from 1901)
5.16748
19011
No change from 1900
13136
(-3569 from 1900)
5.16700
19001
No change from 1899
16705
(+3533 from 1899)
5.25748
18991
No change from 1898
13172
(-1234 from 1898)
5.32226
18981
No change from 1897
14406
(+993 from 1897)
5.25486
18971
No change from 1896
13413
(-398 from 1896)
5.40248
18961
No change from 1895
13811
(+364 from 1895)
5.48071
18951
No change from 1894
13447
(+296 from 1894)
5.44179
18941
No change from 1893
13151
(+367 from 1893)
5.57312
18931
No change from 1892
12784
(-388 from 1892)
5.67593
18921
No change from 1891
13172
(+1468 from 1891)
5.85649
18911
No change from 1890
11704
(-374 from 1890)
5.95423
18901
No change from 1889
12078
(+430 from 1889)
5.98920
18891
No change from 1888
11648
(-106 from 1888)
6.15586
18881
No change from 1887
11754
(+1866 from 1887)
6.20444
18871
No change from 1886
9888
(-1 from 1886)
6.36199
18861
No change from 1885
9889
(+761 from 1885)
6.43254
18851
No change from 1884
9128
(-89 from 1884)
6.43057
18841
No change from 1883
9217
(+1205 from 1883)
6.69913
18831
No change from 1882
8012
(-136 from 1882)
6.67333
18821
No change from 1881
8148
(+1229 from 1881)
7.04272
18811
No change from 1880
6919
(-146 from 1880)
6.99914
18801
First SSA data recorded
7065
First SSA data recorded
7.23836

American States Popularity Rankings for Mary

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#842021#912022#782023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#2702021#2102022#2172023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#1652021#1842022#1632023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#1542021#1262022#1242023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#1442021#1432022#1592023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#3592021#3482022#3692023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#1412021#1602022#1682023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#962021#1032022#1072023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#762021#652022#732023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#92021#92022#102023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#1242021#2262022#1922023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#582021#512022#442023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#922021#772022#1382023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#662021#652022#692023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#1052021#1242022#1302023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#1262021#922022#1042023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#4282021#2782022#3702023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#72021#132022#82023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#1472021#1792022#2132023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#602021#472022#442023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#612021#842022#592023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#1862021#1462022#1562023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#3492021#2972022#2662023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#3532021#1662022#2682023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#1542021#1082022#1952023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#742021#552022#642023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#2652021#1772022#2182023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#1412021#1332022#1302023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#972021#1172022#982023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#3362021#2272022#1952023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#1962021#1862022#2972023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#2082021#2182022#1912023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#1172021#1542022#1542023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#2052019#2602021#1892023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#2602021#3662022#3162023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1572021#1202022#692023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#1662021#2402022#2192023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1242018#1692019#2022022

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#1232020#1382021#1702023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1072019#902020#1522022

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#1702021#1882022#1702023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1262019#2432021#782022

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#772019#562020#712021

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#1852021#2322022#3102023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1262020#1402021#1922023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1372020#1082021#1962023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#612008#1212015#972021

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1252014#592019#902020

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2812015#1602017#1352023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1572021#1092022#572023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#2852021#5682022#5512023

Popularity Rankings for Mary in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Medieval England

Medieval England flagMedieval England#81377-1381#441377-1381

Popularity in Other American Territories

American Samoa flag American Samoa
Guam flag Guam
Northern Mariana Islands flag Northern Mariana Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands flag U.S. Virgin Islands

Other American Territories flagOther American Territories#462004#542007#202013

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#1272021#872022#1302023

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#951980#1001981#992008

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#1522021#2012022#1712023

Popularity in Chile

Chile flagChile#2001938#1911968#2001976

Popularity in France

France flagFrance#1981945

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#2072004#3592006#5172007

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#2072020#2702022#2262023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#2242021#2572022#2362023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#2452021#3032022#2502023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#2892019#2912020#3182021

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#3562016#3262019#4122020

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#4242020#4202021#4132023

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#5002016#4372017#4192019

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#7422022#5902023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#6782020#7452021#7622022

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#8532018#7992021#7562022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Mary a Name for Boys or Girls?

Mary is commonly used for girls. Its meaning, which conveys love and cherished qualities, and its classic appeal make it a beloved name for girls.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Mary

Mary in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Mary Shelley (Author, 1797–1851): An English novelist best known for writing "Frankenstein."
  • Mary Queen of Scots (Royalty, 1542–1587): The Queen of Scotland from 1542 to 1567, known for her tumultuous reign and eventual execution.
  • Mary Cassatt (Painter, 1844–1926): An American painter and printmaker, part of the Impressionist movement.
  • Mary Todd Lincoln (First Lady, 1818–1882): The wife of Abraham Lincoln and First Lady of the United States during his presidency.
  • Mary J. Blige (Singer, born 1971): An American singer, songwriter, and actress known as the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul."
  • Mary Pickford (Actress, 1892–1979): A Canadian-American film actress and producer, one of the original founders of United Artists.
  • Mary McLeod Bethune (Educator, 1875–1955): An American educator and civil rights leader who founded the National Council of Negro Women.
  • Mary Higgins Clark (Author, 1927–2020): An American author known for her suspense novels.
  • Mary Kom (Boxer, born 1982): An Indian boxer and Olympic bronze medalist, renowned for her achievements in women's boxing.
  • Mary Wollstonecraft (Philosopher, 1759–1797): An English writer and advocate of women's rights, known for "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman."
  • "Mary Poppins" (1964 Film): A magical nanny who transforms the lives of the Banks family with her whimsical and extraordinary abilities.
  • Mary Shelley ("Frankenstein," 1818 Novel): The author of the groundbreaking Gothic novel about a scientist who creates a living being.
  • Mary Margaret Blanchard ("Once Upon a Time," 2011 TV Series): A modern-day schoolteacher who is also Snow White in the fairy tale world.
  • Mary Lennox ("The Secret Garden," 1911 Novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett): A young orphaned girl who discovers a hidden, neglected garden and brings it back to life.
  • Mary Winchester ("Supernatural," 2005 TV Series): The mother of Sam and Dean Winchester, whose death propels her sons into the world of hunting supernatural creatures.
  • Mary Jane Watson ("Spider-Man," 2002 Film Series): The love interest of Peter Parker and a central character in the Spider-Man universe.
  • "Mary, Queen of Scots" (2018 Film): A historical drama depicting the turbulent life and reign of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland.
  • Mary Camden ("7th Heaven," 1996 TV Series): The rebellious daughter in a large family, dealing with the challenges of growing up.
  • Mary ("Something About Mary," 1998 Film): A comedy film about a man who is still in love with his high school crush, Mary.
  • Mary Corleone ("The Godfather Part III," 1990 Film): The daughter of Michael Corleone, whose tragic fate impacts the Corleone family's future.
  • Mary Goodnight ("The Man with the Golden Gun," 1974 Film): A British Secret Service agent who assists James Bond in his mission.
  • Mary Stuart ("Reign," 2013 TV Series): A historical drama following the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, from her youth to her time as a ruler.
  • Mary River (Queensland, Australia): A significant river in Queensland, supporting diverse ecosystems and offering recreational activities.
  • Mary Street (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia): A bustling street in Brisbane lined with businesses, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
  • Mary Lake (Ontario, Canada): A serene lake in Ontario, popular for fishing, boating, and scenic views.
  • Mary Island (Alaska, USA): A small island in Alaska known for its natural beauty and wildlife habitat.
  • Mary Park (California, USA): A neighborhood park in San Francisco featuring playgrounds, sports facilities, and green spaces.
  • Mary Mountain (Wyoming, USA): A mountain in Yellowstone National Park offering hiking trails and stunning views.
  • Mary Immaculate Church (Texas, USA): A historic church in Dallas, serving as a significant religious and community landmark.

Similar Names to Mary