Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Mari
GirlWelsh, Spanish· “form of Mary”
- Meaning
- form of Mary
- Origin
- Welsh, Spanish
- Pronunciation
- MAR-ee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,620
- US babies 2025
- 129
- Best rank
- #464 (1954)
- Peak year
- 1957
Meaning and origin of Mari
Mari is a Welsh and Spanish name that is usually said to mean “form of Mary”.
Mari is a form of Mary used in Welsh, Spanish, Estonian, Finnish, Hungarian and other languages. Mary goes back to the Hebrew Miriam, whose meaning is uncertain; suggestions include bitter, beloved and wished-for child. In Welsh, Mari is the standard form of Mary, and in Spanish it serves as a nickname for María and names like Marisol. In Japanese, Mari is also a separate given name with its own meanings. Short and warm, it works as a full name with wide, international appeal.
Popularity over time
Mari first appears in US Social Security records in 1897. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 51 different years, starting in 1939. Its best national rank was #464 in 1954, and the most babies received it in 1957, when 412 were named Mari. In 2025, 129 babies were named Mari, and it ranked #1,620 nationally. That is 48% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,866 in 1920, #552 in 1950, #874 in 1980, #1,309 in 2000, #1,684 in 2010, and #1,620 in 2025. Of the 16,579 US girls named Mari since records began, 19% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 2,990 babies. Since 2010, 1,934 more have been named Mari.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Melodie, Rae, Nita, Vickey, and Althea.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Mari ranked highest in Minnesota, Washington, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | #801 | 6 |
| Washington | #873 | 7 |
| California | #1013 | 27 |
| Michigan | #1346 | 5 |
| New York | #1475 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Mari over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Mari is usually pronounced MAR-ee, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with M and ends in “-ri”.
Middle names for Mari
A few middle names that flow with Mari: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Mari
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Lists that include Mari
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mari mean?
Mari is a Welsh and Spanish name that is usually said to mean “form of Mary”.
What is the origin of the name Mari?
Mari has Welsh, Spanish, and Hebrew roots. Mari is a form of Mary used in Welsh, Spanish, Estonian, Finnish, Hungarian and other languages.
Is Mari a popular name?
Not especially. Mari ranked #1,620 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Mari a boy or girl name?
Mari is mainly a girl's name. About 98% of US babies named Mari over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Mari?
Mari is usually pronounced MAR-ee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings