What does Maria mean and where does it come from?
Maria is a name with roots in Hebrew and has been popular in various cultures, particularly in Christianity due to its association with the Virgin Mary. It is widely used in religious contexts and has many variations and derivatives, including Mariah and Marie. The name has been consistently popular
Cultural significance
Maria has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bitterness; sea of sorrow.
Peak popularity
Reached #31 in 1973 — currently #82 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Maria?
Maria works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maria Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Maria Rose
Floral · soft ending
Maria Mae
Sweet · timeless
Maria Claire
French influence · crisp
Maria Jane
Literary · strong
Maria Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Maria right now?
Rising — up 9 spots — currently #82 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #82 | 2,905 | ▲ up 9 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #91 | 2,847 | ▲ up 14 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #105 | 2,604 | ▲ up 4 · +6% births |
| 2020 | #109 | 2,460 | stable · -13% births |
| 2015 | #109 | 2,825 | ▼ down 23 · -17% births |
| 2010 | #86 | 3,416 | ▼ down 40 · -39% births |
| 2005 | #46 | 5,595 | ▼ down 5 · -18% births |
| 2000 | #41 | 6,854 | ▲ up 3 · -2% births |
| 1995 | #44 | 6,999 | ▲ up 3 · -3% births |
| 1990 | #47 | 7,182 | ▲ up 5 · +20% births |
| 1985 | #52 | 6,009 | ▼ down 16 · -24% births |
| 1980 | #36 | 7,863 | ▼ down 5 · +5% births |
| 1975 | #31 | 7,524 | ▲ up 8 · -13% births |
| 1970 | #39 | 8,677 | ▲ up 7 · -8% births |
| 1965 | #46 | 9,473 | — |
The story of Maria
Maria has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #31 in 1973. Over 555K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #131 in 1880 to #82 in 2023. Maria is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Maria in 1973:
Maria by decade
Maria peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,732 | |
| 1890s | 2,866 | |
| 1900s | 4,174 | |
| 1910s | 11,430 | |
| 1920s | 22,896 | |
| 1930s | 20,983 | |
| 1940s | 35,870 | |
| 1950s | 62,780 | |
| 1960s ★ | 89,219 | |
| 1970s | 76,888 | |
| 1980s | 66,644 | |
| 1990s | 71,406 | |
| 2000s | 57,141 | |
| 2010s | 28,953 | |
| 2020s | 2,470 | |
What are good nicknames for Maria?
CROATIAN
MajaMareMaricaMarijetaMašaMojca
CZECH
MadlenkaMajaMarikaMáša
Famous people named Maria
M(
Maria (historical community leader)
Maria led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Maria?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maria also consider these
How is Maria written in other languages?
Bulgarian), Марія
Ukrainian), Маріа (Church Slavic
Common questions about the name Maria
What does the name Maria mean?
Maria means "Bitterness; sea of sorrow" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Maria?
Maria is currently ranked #82 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Maria have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Maria?
Maria originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Maria?
Maria is a three-syllable name pronounced M ER0 IY1 AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Maria?
Maria pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.