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Maria Girl

Popularity: #74 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationmah-REE-ah / məˈriːə

Latin; Hebrew

Meaning

Latin: sea of bitterness; Hebrew: wished-for child

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Maria has its roots in the Hebrew name Miriam, which is believed to mean "sea of bitterness," "rebelliousness," or "wished-for child." The name was adopted into Greek as Maria, which became popular in the Hellenistic period. From Greek, it transitioned into Latin as Maria, where it gained further prominence, particularly in Christian contexts. The name entered the English language through the influence of the Latin Vulgate, a late 4th-century Latin translation of the Bible, which used Maria to refer to the Virgin Mary, a central figure in Christianity. This biblical association significantly contributed to the name's enduring popularity across various cultures and languages.

Historically, Maria has been borne by numerous notable figures, including saints and queens. One of the most significant figures is the Virgin Mary, whose veneration began in the early Christian church and was solidified through various councils and theological writings throughout the centuries. By the Middle Ages, the name Maria had become widely used in Christian Europe, often associated with purity and motherhood due to its connection to the Virgin Mary. The name also appears in various forms in different languages, such as Marie in French and Maria in Italian and Spanish, reflecting its widespread acceptance and adaptation.

Culturally, Maria has resonated deeply within literature, art, and music, often symbolizing grace, compassion, and maternal love. The name has been featured in countless works, from classical compositions to modern literature, reinforcing its significance across cultures. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Mary, Masha, and Mariella have emerged in various languages, showcasing the name's versatility and enduring appeal. Overall, Maria's rich etymological history and cultural associations have solidified its place as a timeless name with profound historical and spiritual significance.

Trend Summary

Maria has consistently been a popular name in the United States, though its ranking has fluctuated over the decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Marya
  • Marie
  • Mariam

International Variants

  • Mariya (Russian)
  • Mariah (English)
  • Mária (Hungarian)
  • Mariya (Bulgarian)

Famous people named Maria

Maria Callas is a soprano best known for her roles in Tosca, Norma, and Carmen.

Maria Sharapova is a former professional tennis player best known for winning five Grand Slam titles.

Maria Menounos is a television host and actress best known for her work on Extra, E! News, and as a correspondent for Access Hollywood.

Maria Bartiromo is a journalist and television personality best known for her work on CNBC and Fox Business Network.

Maria Bello is an actress best known for her roles in A History of Violence, ER, and Coyote Ugly.

Maria von Trapp is known for being a singer and the inspiration for The Sound of Music.

Maria Ressa is a journalist and author best known for her work with Rappler and for her advocacy for press freedom.

Fictional characters named Maria

Maria is a fictional character from the musical and film The Sound of Music. She is a spirited young woman who becomes the governess for the von Trapp family and brings joy and music into their lives.

Maria is a fictional character from the novel and film West Side Story. She is a young Puerto Rican woman who falls in love with Tony amidst the rivalry between two gangs in New York City.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Maria was first seen in the United States in 1880. Maria has ranked as high as #79 nationally, which occurred in 1964, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Maria has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Maria (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 455
15%
CA 373
12%
FL 245
8%
AZ 129
4%
IL 118
4%
OH 117
4%
NY 115
4%
PA 101
3%
GA 96
3%
NC 87
3%
TN 81
3%
NJ 79
3%
VA 79
3%
MA 67
2%
IN 64
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880125
1881120
1882121
1883141
1884190
1885175
1886180
1887203
1888239
1889238
1890247
1891248
1892301
1893255
1894309
1895295
1896312
1897304
1898329
1899266
1900389
1901350
1902331
1903379
1904393
1905430
1906388
1907490
1908480
1909544
1910621
1911646
1912828
1913909
19141,117
19151,286
19161,261
19171,441
19181,544
19191,678
19201,935
19212,028
19221,929
19232,000
19242,291
19252,360
19262,352
19272,592
19282,565
19292,532
19302,540
19312,185
19322,045
19331,862
19341,990
19351,994
19361,980
19371,953
19382,012
19392,077
19402,135
19412,470
19422,817
19432,863
19443,361
19453,313
19463,960
19474,712
19484,817
19495,123
19505,076
19515,236
19525,694
19535,992
19546,589
19556,209
19566,731
19576,779
19586,899
19597,247
19607,536
19617,947
19629,090
19639,849
196410,147
19659,479
19669,130
19678,878
19688,385
19698,402
19708,684
19718,137
19727,717
19737,665
19747,804
19757,539
19767,358
19777,093
19787,019
19797,335
19807,875
19817,683
19827,346
19836,848
19846,135
19856,013
19866,141
19875,677
19885,713
19896,345
19907,185
19917,136
19927,091
19936,977
19946,752
19957,001
19967,597
19977,313
19986,817
19997,033
20006,856
20016,842
20026,389
20036,090
20045,757
20055,600
20065,604
20075,129
20084,592
20094,142
20103,420
20113,220
20123,033
20132,821
20142,776
20152,833
20162,810
20172,717
20182,619
20192,716
20202,492
20212,604
20222,847
20232,905
20243,105