Meaning
The meaning of Mary
Mary comes through Greek and Latin forms of Miriam. The exact Hebrew meaning is debated, so it is better to describe the uncertainty plainly than to force one answer.
Sound
How to pronounce Mary
- Phonetic
- MAIR-ee
- IPA
- /ˈmɛɹi/
2 syllables · stress: MAIR-ee · ends in a vowel
Forms
Variants and nicknames
Alternate spellings
- Maria
- Marie
- Miriam
- Mariam
- Mariah
- Maryann
Short forms and nicknames
- Molly
- Polly
- Mollie
- Mae
- May
- Mia
Languages
Mary in other languages
- Hebrew
- מִרְיָםMiryam
- Greek
- ΜαρίαMaria
- Latin
- Maria
- Spanish
- María
- French
- Marie
- German
- Maria
- Italian
- Maria
- Russian
- МарияMariya
- Polish
- Maria
- Arabic
- مَرْيَمMaryam
Christian background
Christian and biblical background
Mary appears throughout the opening chapters of Luke and Matthew and later in the Gospels and Acts. Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Evangelical traditions all recognize her importance, though they describe her role differently.
Scripture
The biblical figure
Mary, the mother of Jesus, receives Gabriel's announcement, gives birth to Jesus, appears during his ministry, and is present among the early believers in Acts. Her name became one of the central names of Christian history.
Bearers
Notable people named Mary
biblical
Mary, mother of JesusCentral New Testament figure, recognized across Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditionsbiblical
Mary MagdaleneFollower of Jesus and witness to the resurrection in the Gospelshistorical
Mary Queen of ScotsQueen of Scotland from 1542 to 1567, executed under Elizabeth I in 1587historical
Mary WollstonecraftEnglish writer and early advocate for women's rights, author of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, 1759 to 1797historical
Mary ShelleyEnglish novelist, author of Frankenstein, 1797 to 1851historical
Mary CassattAmerican Impressionist painter, 1844 to 1926modern
Mary J. BligeAmerican singer and actress, born 1971
Saint
The Blessed Virgin Mary (Theotokos)
- Traditions
- Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran
- Patron of
- the universal Church, countless cities and nations including Mexico (Our Lady of Guadalupe), Poland, France, Portugal, and Ireland, mothers, sailors
Mary, mother of Jesus, is honored with many feasts across the Christian calendar. Major Marian observances include the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the Annunciation, the Assumption or Dormition, the Nativity of Mary, and the Immaculate Conception. Orthodox tradition observes the Theotokos under the term "Mother of God" throughout the liturgical year.
Naming history
Naming tradition and history
Mary has been one of the most enduring Christian names in the world. In English-speaking countries it was dominant for centuries and remains deeply recognizable even when less common as a current baby name.
Recent US use
Mary in recent US use
- Rank in 2025
- #125
- Peak rank
- #1 in 1880
- Recent trend
- stable over the last 5 years
- Years in the SSA records
- 146 (since 1880)
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880-2025.
Sibling fit
Sibling name suggestions
Pairings
Names paired with Mary
Josephhusband
Joseph of Nazareth is the legal husband of Mary and earthly guardian of Jesus in Matthew and Luke.
Marthasister (Bethany)
Mary of Bethany and Martha appear together as sisters in Luke 10 and John 11-12; this is a different Mary from the mother of Jesus, though Christian tradition has sometimes conflated them.
For families
For families looking at Mary
For a Christian family, Mary signals devotion, humility, and a name almost every Christian tradition understands. Maria and Miriam offer closely related alternatives.
Common questions
What does Mary mean?
Mary's exact meaning is debated. It is related to Miriam, a Hebrew name with several proposed explanations.
Is Mary a biblical name?
Yes. Several women in the New Testament are named Mary, most importantly Mary the mother of Jesus.
Is Mary a Christian name?
Yes. Mary is one of the most important and enduring names in Christian tradition.
Sources
Sources for Mary
- A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, Brown, Driver, and BriggsSupports: Hebrew etymology (related to Miriam); debated Hebrew meaning.
- Luke, King James Version (KJV 1769)Supports: biblical figure; Mary's response at the annunciation (Luke 1:38).
- The Oxford Dictionary of Saints, David Hugh Farmer (5th edition)Supports: The Blessed Virgin Mary (Theotokos); mother of Jesus honored across traditions.
Last reviewed July 19, 2026. See our methodology, or report an error on the corrections page.
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