Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Marya
GirlRussian, Polish· “Slavic form of Maria”
- Meaning
- Slavic form of Maria
- Origin
- Russian, Polish
- Pronunciation
- MAR-yuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #7,023
- US babies 2025
- 16
- Best rank
- #1,663 (1965)
- Peak year
- 1971
Meaning and origin of Marya
Marya is a Russian and Polish name that means “Slavic form of Maria”.
Marya is a Russian and Polish form of Maria, from the Hebrew Miriam. Miriam's meaning is uncertain; suggestions include beloved, bitter and wished-for child, but none is settled. In Russian literature the name appears in several classic works, including Tolstoy's War and Peace, where Princess Marya Bolkonskaya is a major character. In Russian it is said MAR-yuh, two syllables, and English speakers usually keep that sound. Masha is the classic Russian diminutive. The name is simple to spell yet feels more distinctive than Maria in English. It suits families with Slavic roots or a love of Russian novels.
Popularity over time
Marya first appears in US Social Security records in 1909. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,663 in 1965, and the most babies received it in 1971, when 49 were named Marya. In 2025, 16 babies were named Marya, and it ranked #7,023 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #4,198 in 1950, #2,840 in 1980, #4,138 in 2000, #7,112 in 2010, and #7,023 in 2025. Of the 2,211 US girls named Marya since records began, 18% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 345 babies. Since 2010, 282 more have been named Marya.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Doria, Lynetta, Genny, Stephannie, and Martie.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Marya is usually pronounced MAR-yuh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with M and ends in “-ya”.
Middle names for Marya
A few middle names that flow with Marya: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Marya
Similar names
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Lists that include Marya
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Marya mean?
Marya is a Russian and Polish name that means “Slavic form of Maria”.
What is the origin of the name Marya?
Marya has Russian, Polish, and Hebrew roots. Marya is a Russian and Polish form of Maria, from the Hebrew Miriam.
Is Marya a popular name?
Not especially. Marya ranked #7,023 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Marya a boy or girl name?
Marya is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Marya?
Marya is usually pronounced MAR-yuh. 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