Marian
Marian is a girl's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Beloved, wished-for child, or belonging to Marius.
Origin and history
Marian is historically a Medieval French blend of Marie (Mary) and Marion, as well as a variant of Marianus. It has a rich history in English literature, notably through Maid Marian of the Robin Hood legends. In the United States, it was a classic top-100 choice in the early 20th century and remains an enduring traditional name.
Popularity in the United States
141,944 babies in the United States have been named Marian since 1880. It ranks #285 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1104.
States where it is most popular
- PA (12.1 %)
- NY (9.6 %)
- IL (6.6 %)
- CA (6.3 %)
- OH (6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 631 |
| 1890-1900 | 2,168 |
| 1900-1910 | 4,531 |
| 1910-1920 | 22,158 |
| 1920-1930 | 38,978 |
| 1930-1940 | 23,907 |
| 1940-1950 | 16,041 |
| 1950-1960 | 15,340 |
| 1960-1970 | 6,768 |
| 1970-1980 | 2,480 |
| 1980-1990 | 1,989 |
| 1990-2000 | 1,771 |
| 2000-2010 | 2,070 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,925 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,187 |
Famous people named Marian
- Marian Anderson: Opera Singer, Civil Rights Icon
- Marian Wright Edelman: Activist, Lawyer
- Marian Shields Robinson: Public Figure
Nicknames
Mari, Mary, Maz
Fun facts
- Maid Marian is famous in English folklore as the heroic companion and love interest of Robin Hood.
- It developed both as a diminutive blend of Mary and Anne and as the feminine form of the Roman name Marianus.