Mary

Mary is the usual English form of Latin Maria, from the interchangeable New Testament Greek forms Mariam and Maria and ultimately the Hebrew Miryam, borne by Moses' sister. Its meaning is uncertain; proposed interpretations include "sea of bitterness," "rebelliousness," and "wished for child," though it was probably Egyptian in origin and may relate to words for "beloved" or "love." The most important New Testament bearer is Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus; Mary Magdalene was another follower who witnessed his crucifixion and resurrection. Reverence for the Virgin made the name exceptionally popular across the Christian world, although some cultures considered it too sacred for ordinary use. Used in England since the 12th century, Mary became one of its most common feminine names and dominated U.S. rankings until the mid-20th century before declining. Royal and literary bearers include Mary Queen of Scots and Frankenstein author Mary Shelley; Maria remains an English and international form.

Mary climbed to #1 for girls from 1880 through 1946. It remains prominent at #125 in 2025. Its highest annual birth count came in 1921, with 73,984 births.