Mar

“sea”

Spain origin · Unisex name

♂ 24% boys♀ 76% girls

#2481US 2023

72Births / yr

↑Rising

801All-time births

📅 Since 191300

How to pronounce Mar

MAHR

/ˈmɑr/ · stress on MAHR · 1 syllable

“sea”

Spain origin · Unisex name

What does Mar mean and where does it come from?

Mar is a feminine given name of Spanish and Catalan origin meaning 'sea'. It is popular in Spain and Latin American countries. The name is often used in combination with other names, such as 'María'. The use of 'Mar' as a name reflects the importance of the ocean in Spanish culture and can symbolize

Cultural significance

Mar has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of sea.

Peak popularity

Reached #2271 in 1929 — currently #2481 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Mar?

Mar works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Mar Grace

How popular is Mar right now?

Rising fast — up 623 spots — currently #2481 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#2481 · Top 1.8%

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1985

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#2481	72	▲ up 623 · +36% births
2022	#3104	53	▲ up 1933 · +104% births
2021	#5037	26	▲ up 610 · +24% births
2020	#5647	21	▲ up 3313 · +75% births
2015	#8960	12	▲ up 6110 · +100% births
2010	#15070	6	▼ down 1971 · -14% births
2005	#13099	7	▲ up 2077 · +40% births
2000	#15176	5	▼ down 5545 · -37% births
1995	#9631	8	▼ down 2602 · -11% births
1985	#7029	9	▼ down 438 · +80% births
1960	#6591	5	▼ down 2707 · -50% births
1955	#3884	10	▲ up 1037 · +67% births
1950	#4921	6	▼ down 683
1945	#4238	6	▼ down 553 · -14% births
1940	#3685	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Mar

Best Year2023Rank #2481

Peak Count72

Average Rank#6647

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202318 years

The story of Mar

Mar entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 801 total births recorded, Mar remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3689 in 1915 to #2481 in 2023. Mar is used for both genders: 76% female and 24% male.

Names that peaked alongside Mar in 1929:

Mary Betty Dorothy Helen Margaret

Mar by decade

Mar peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	41
1920s	79
1930s	53
1940s	56
1950s	101
1960s	69
1970s	60
1980s	48
1990s	62
2000s ★	117
2010s	94
2020s	21

💎Mar has only 801 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Mar?

Common

MarieMary

What names sound and feel like Mar?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mar also consider these

American · Fighter, warrior

Har

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Kar

Sweden · Pure

Common questions about the name Mar

What does the name Mar mean?

Mar means "sea" — a name rooted in Spain tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Mar?

Mar is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Mar have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Mar?

Mar originates from Spain tradition. Spain names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Mar?

Mar is a one-syllable name pronounced M AA1 R. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Mar sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Mar flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Mar ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.