girlHebrew

Mary: Meaning & Origin

Mary is a girl's name of Hebrew origin meaning “Beloved or wished-for child; Mary is the mother of Jesus and a pivotal figure in Christianity..” With 2 syllables, it is short and easy to say. Common nicknames include Mare, Mel. As of 2023, Mary ranks #135 among girls' names in the United States and has held a steady level of popularity. Its highest US ranking was #123 in 2020.

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Pronunciation

MAIR-ee

Phonetic spelling

Popularity

80/100 Score

Currently #135 among US baby names.

Nicknames

MareMel

Popularity Trend

1%
88
2019
87
2023
#135
US Rank

* Based on US Social Security Administration birth-registration data

Middle Name Ideas

  • Mary Anne
  • Mary Clare
  • Mary Elizabeth

Famous Namesakes

  • Mary, Mother of Jesus

Variants & Alternate Spellings of Mary

Frequently Asked Questions About Mary

What does the name Mary mean?

Mary means “Beloved or wished-for child; Mary is the mother of Jesus and a pivotal figure in Christianity..” It is a girl's name of Hebrew origin.

How do you pronounce Mary?

Mary is pronounced MAIR-ee.

Is Mary a boy or girl name?

Mary is most commonly used as a girl's name.

How popular is the name Mary?

Mary currently ranks #135 among girls' names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Mary?

Popular nicknames for Mary include Mare, Mel.

What are good middle names for Mary?

Middle names that pair well with Mary include Mary Anne, Mary Clare, Mary Elizabeth.

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