Maria
Maria is a boy's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Beloved, wished-for child, or sea of bitterness.
Origin and history
Maria is traditionally the Latin form of the Hebrew name Maryam or Miriam. Although predominantly given to females, Maria has a long history of being used as a masculine middle or given name in traditional Catholic cultures, often honoring the Virgin Mary. In the United States, masculine usage of Maria is rare but continuously recorded.
Popularity in the United States
4,278 babies in the United States have been named Maria since 1880. It ranks #1907 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1894.
States where it is most popular
- TX (50.4 %)
- CA (36.1 %)
- NY (7.4 %)
- IL (3.1 %)
- DC (0.99 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 99 |
| 1920-1930 | 311 |
| 1930-1940 | 348 |
| 1940-1950 | 305 |
| 1950-1960 | 350 |
| 1960-1970 | 471 |
| 1970-1980 | 645 |
| 1980-1990 | 936 |
| 1990-2000 | 533 |
| 2000-2010 | 184 |
| 2010-2019 | 63 |
| 2020-2029 | 33 |
Famous people named Maria
- Maria Rainer Maria Rilke: Poet, Novelist
Fun facts
- In several European countries and Catholic traditions, Maria is frequently used as a secondary or primary given name for males.
- The name derives from the Hebrew Miriam, which likely traces back to ancient Egyptian roots meaning beloved.