Mare

mare
Latin origin · Unisex name
50% boys50% girls
#1505US 2023
695Births / yr
Stable
332All-time births
📅 Since 194700
How to pronounce Mare
MER
/ˈmɛr/ · stress on MER · 1 syllable
mare
Latin origin · Unisex name

What does Mare mean and where does it come from?

The name Mare has roots in multiple languages and cultures. In Latin, 'mare' translates directly to 'sea', and this association may evoke imagery of vastness and depth. In Old English, 'mære' refers to a mythological figure, a type of demon or spirit that sits upon a sleeper's chest, leading to nigh

Cultural significance
Mare has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of mare.
Peak popularity
Reached #1849 in 1969 — currently #1505 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →

How else can you spell Mare?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Mare?

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

Mare Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Mare John
One syllable · timeless choice
Mare Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Mare Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Mare Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Mare Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
👶
Middle Names
The best middle names for Mare
Browse ideas →

How popular is Mare right now?

Holding steady — currently #1505 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 19502023#1505 · Top 1.1%
1950
1955
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#1505695▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022#1510675▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021#1515645▲ up 5376 · +12800% births
1985#68915▼ down 2917 · -50% births
1980#397410▲ up 141 · +25% births
1975#41158▼ down 1755 · -50% births
1970#236016▲ up 1100 · +129% births
1965#34607▼ down 615 · -30% births
1960#284510▼ down 283 · -9% births
1955#256211▲ up 1094 · +83% births
1950#36566

The story of Mare

Mare entered American naming records in 1947 and has been in use for over 77 years. With 332 total births recorded, Mare remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3656 in 1950 to #1505 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Mare in 1969:

Mare by decade

Mare peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

DecadeBirths
1940s10
1950s73
1960s96
1970s86
1980s67
💎Mare has only 332 total recorded births since 1947 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Mare?

CATALAN
Ona
DUTCH
Jet
ENGLISH
MoMollieMollyPolliePollyReenie
IRISH
Mallaidh

Famous people named Mare

M(
Mare (historical Roman figure)
Mare carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
M(
Mare (Roman senator or statesman)
Mare held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →

Common questions about the name Mare

What does the name Mare mean?
Mare means "mare" — a name rooted in Latin 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 Mare?
Mare is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Mare?
Mare originates from Latin tradition. Latin 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 Mare?
Mare is a one-syllable name pronounced MER. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Mare sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Mare flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Mare ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.