Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Maria
GirlLatin, Hebrew· “form of Mary; meaning uncertain”
- Meaning
- form of Mary; meaning uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Latin, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- muh-REE-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #87
- US babies 2025
- 2,887
- Best rank
- #30 (1975)
- Peak year
- 1964
Meaning and origin of Maria
Maria is often said to mean “form of Mary; meaning uncertain”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Latin and Hebrew roots.
Maria is the Latin and Greek form of the Hebrew Miryam, the name behind Mary. The original meaning is uncertain: suggestions include "bitter", "rebellious", "wished-for child" and, through a possible Egyptian root, "beloved", and none is settled. Veneration of the Virgin Mary carried the name across Catholic and Orthodox Europe, and it remains a cornerstone name in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Polish and many other languages. In English it feels both classic and international, lighter than Mary yet just as rooted. It works across cultures and pairs easily with middle names, as in the long tradition of Maria Luisa or Maria Elena. Nicknames include Mia, Ria and Mimi.
Popularity over time
Maria has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #30 in 1975, and the most babies received it in 1964, when 10,148 were named Maria. In 2025, 2,887 babies were named Maria, and it ranked #87 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #130 in 1920, #73 in 1950, #36 in 1980, #41 in 2000, #86 in 2010, and #87 in 2025. Of the 566,111 US girls named Maria since records began, 16% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 76,373 babies. Since 2010, 45,836 more have been named Maria.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Paula, Rhonda, Jacqueline, Renee, and Sherri.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Maria ranked highest in Texas, District of Columbia, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #52 | 435 |
| District of Columbia | #54 | 12 |
| Arizona | #56 | 85 |
| Alabama | #67 | 56 |
| California | #74 | 372 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Maria is usually pronounced muh-REE-uh, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with M and ends in “-ia”.
Middle names for Maria
A few middle names that flow with Maria: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Maria
Similar names
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Lists that include Maria
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Maria mean?
Maria is often said to mean “form of Mary; meaning uncertain”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Latin and Hebrew roots.
What is the origin of the name Maria?
Maria has Latin and Hebrew roots. Maria is the Latin and Greek form of the Hebrew Miryam, the name behind Mary.
Is Maria a popular name?
Yes. Maria ranked #87 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Maria a boy or girl name?
Maria is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Maria?
Maria is usually pronounced muh-REE-uh. 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