Mary
Mary is a girl's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Beloved, wished-for child, or sea of bitterness (debated etymology).
Origin and history
Mary is derived from the Hebrew name Miryam, carried through Greek Maria and Latin Maria into English. Historically the most popular female name in the United States, it held the top spot on the official birth records for decades. While less common today, it remains a classic, universally recognized choice.
Popularity in the United States
4,141,481 babies in the United States have been named Mary since 1880. It ranks #1 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #132.
States where it is most popular
- PA (7.8 %)
- NY (7.4 %)
- TX (5.6 %)
- OH (5.4 %)
- IL (5.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 91,668 |
| 1890-1900 | 131,138 |
| 1900-1910 | 161,504 |
| 1910-1920 | 478,636 |
| 1920-1930 | 701,755 |
| 1930-1940 | 573,000 |
| 1940-1950 | 640,080 |
| 1950-1960 | 625,606 |
| 1960-1970 | 355,240 |
| 1970-1980 | 126,254 |
| 1980-1990 | 95,862 |
| 1990-2000 | 75,723 |
| 2000-2010 | 46,337 |
| 2010-2019 | 25,693 |
| 2020-2029 | 12,985 |
Famous people named Mary
- Mary Shelley: Novelist, Author
- Mary Tyler Moore: Actress, Producer
- Mary J. Blige: Singer, Songwriter
Nicknames
Molly, Mae, Mamie, Mare
Fun facts
- Mary is the most common given name for females in U.S. recorded birth history, ranking first cumulatively since 1880.
- The original Hebrew form, Miryam, may trace its roots back even further to an Ancient Egyptian root meaning 'beloved'.