The Name Library LogoThe Name Library
A-Z BrowseFinderAI FinderBlogFavoritesCompare
A-Z BrowseFinderAI FinderBlogFavoritesCompare

© 2026 The Name Library. All rights reserved.

BlogAbout & FeedbackPrivacy Policy
Mary | Meaning, Origin & History | The Name Library

Name Detail

Mary

Mary is a feminine given name, the English form of the name Maria, which was in turn a Latin form of the Greek name Μαρία, María or Μαριάμ, Mariam, found in the Septuagint and New Testament. The latter reflects the original Hebrew pronunciation of the name מרים, as attested by the Septuagint. The vowel "a" in a closed unaccented syllable later became "i", as seen in other names such as "Bil'am" (Balaam) and "Shimshon" (Samson).

Hebrew originJewish traditionBiblicalShort

Meaning

Mary is a feminine given name, the English form of the name Maria, which was in turn a Latin form of

Snapshot

A girl name with 2 syllables. Currently considered common.

Popularity Over Time

U.S. Data (2000-2023)

Explore how the popularity of Mary has changed over the last two decades.

Historical Context & Cultural Origin

Mary is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin, commonly understood to mean "bitter" or "rebellious," though interpretations vary. It is most famously associated with Mary, the mother of Jesus in Christianity, which significantly popularized the name throughout the Western world. Its enduring popularity is also linked to numerous historical figures, saints, and royalty, making it a classic and widely recognized name across many cultures.

Famous Namesakes

Mary, Queen of Scots; Mary Magdalene; Mary, mother of Jesus; Mary Tyler Moore; Mary J. Blige

Nicknames & Variations

Mary, Polly, Molly, Mazie, Mamie

AI Cultural Insight

Deep dive into history & etymology

Names you might also love

Abigail

Hebrew

my father

Aria

Hebrew

noble

Eliana

Hebrew

Eliana, Elianna, אֱלִיעָנָה (Hebrew), Ηλιάνα (Greek), إليانا (Arabic), is a feminine given name foun

Miriam

Hebrew

Miriam is a feminine given name recorded in Biblical Hebrew in the Book of Exodus as the name of the

Leia

Hebrew

Leia is a variant of the Hebrew Leah, meaning languid in several languages, including Koine Greek an

Back to resultsSurprise me

Naomi

Hebrew

Naomi or Noemi is a given name of separate biblical Hebrew and Japanese origin used in various langu