What does Marie mean and where does it come from?
Marie is the French form of the name Mary, derived from the Hebrew name מִרְיָם (Miriam). The name has been popularized in various cultures and languages and has many diminutives and variations such as Maria and Mary. It has been widely used in historical texts and continues to be a popular name in
Cultural significance
Marie has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of sea of bitterness.
Peak popularity
Reached #7 in 1901 — currently #641 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Marie?
Marie works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Marie Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Marie Rose
Floral · soft ending
Marie Mae
Sweet · timeless
Marie Claire
French influence · crisp
Marie Jane
Literary · strong
Marie Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Marie right now?
Declining — down 42 spots — currently #641 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #641 | 457 | ▼ down 42 · -9% births |
| 2022 | #599 | 500 | ▼ down 1 |
| 2021 | #598 | 500 | ▲ up 21 · +7% births |
| 2020 | #619 | 468 | ▼ down 60 · -16% births |
| 2015 | #559 | 556 | ▲ up 2 · +8% births |
| 2010 | #561 | 517 | ▼ down 54 · -12% births |
| 2005 | #507 | 590 | ▼ down 134 · -25% births |
| 2000 | #373 | 785 | ▼ down 54 · -8% births |
| 1995 | #319 | 853 | ▼ down 106 · -36% births |
| 1990 | #213 | 1,341 | ▼ down 35 · -11% births |
| 1985 | #178 | 1,511 | ▼ down 33 · -22% births |
| 1980 | #145 | 1,947 | ▲ up 19 · +19% births |
| 1975 | #164 | 1,632 | ▼ down 10 · -25% births |
| 1970 | #154 | 2,186 | ▼ down 48 · -37% births |
| 1965 | #106 | 3,486 | — |
The story of Marie
Marie has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #7 in 1901, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 540K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Once ranked #55 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #641 in 2023. Marie is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Marie in 1901:
Marie by decade
Marie peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 8,511 | |
| 1890s | 25,941 | |
| 1900s | 37,227 | |
| 1910s | 92,367 | |
| 1920s ★ | 110,954 | |
| 1930s | 66,145 | |
| 1940s | 57,743 | |
| 1950s | 49,409 | |
| 1960s | 34,956 | |
| 1970s | 18,303 | |
| 1980s | 16,731 | |
| 1990s | 9,855 | |
| 2000s | 6,125 | |
| 2010s | 5,066 | |
| 2020s | 468 | |
What are good nicknames for Marie?
CROATIAN
MajaMareMaricaMarijetaMašaMojca
CZECH
MadlenkaMajaMarikaMáša
What names sound and feel like Marie?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marie also consider these
How is Marie written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Marie
What does the name Marie mean?
Marie means "sea of bitterness" — a name rooted in France 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 Marie?
Marie is currently ranked #641 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 Marie?
Marie originates from France tradition. France 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 Marie?
Marie is a two-syllable name pronounced M ER0 IY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Marie more of a girl or boy name?
Marie is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.