Name Mary

Mary is a feminine name with Hebrew origins. It is considered a ubiquitous name that has experienced moderate growth in popularity recently.

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Meaning of the name Mary

Origins and Core Meaning

The name Mary, derived from the Hebrew Miriam, carries a profound meaning that has transcended centuries. Traditionally interpreted as "bitterness" or "sea of bitterness", it also holds a contrasting connotation of "rebellion" and "wished-for child". Mary was the name of the mother of Jesus Christ, a pivotal figure in Christianity. This association has imbued the name with a sense of purity, humility, and maternal love.

Detailed Insights on Mary

Origins

Hebrew: Miriam.

Symbolic Representation

Mary is a name that holds deep symbolic value. Often associated with the Virgin Mary, it represents purity, innocence, and maternal love. In some cultures, Mary is also seen as a symbol of strength and resilience, embodying the overcoming of adversity. The association with the sea in its Hebrew origin suggests a connection to the unknown, the boundless, and the ever-changing nature of life.

Personality Traits

Mary evokes a spectrum of emotions that are as diverse as the interpretations of its meaning. The name often inspires feelings of devotion, gentleness, and compassion, as many associate it with the Virgin Mary. However, its connection to "bitterness" suggests an underlying depth and resilience. Mary can be seen as a name that encapsulates both the joys and sorrows of life, making it both inspiring and relatable.

Key Personality Traits

Personal Meanings of the Name Mary

  • A pretty name that can also be used as a middle name.

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  • I think the name Mary sounds plain and dull and a bit ugly. But I think it also sounds comforting and gentle, like somebody's grandma.

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  • My name is Mary-Rose, but I tend to just go by Mary, and I've had a very happy 24 years with the name. I'd much rather be a Mary then something trashy like Madysynn.

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Mary Overview & Analysis

Gender statistics

Mary is predominantly a girl's name with a strong feminine identity. Among 3,834,102 people named Mary, 3,824,429 are female and 9,673 are male resulting in a 99.75% female distribution. This pronounced gender imbalance underscores the name Mary's strong feminine identity.

Data Explanation

This data is sourced from actual birth records, ensuring that the statistics provided are accurate reflections of real naming trends. The percentage has been rounded up for easier readability, but the underlying figures are grounded in factual data, not estimates. This ensures that the information is both reliable and user-friendly, giving a clear and truthful picture of the name Mary's gender association.

Popularity

Mary classified as an ubiquitous name and ranks 7 in the Namedary database. It has experienced moderate growth over the years, and experienced moderate growth recently. The chance of meeting someone named Mary is nearly 1.1%, or about one in 92+ people.

Popularity and Usage Trends for Mary

Based on the latest data from 2021 (66,335), 2022 (2,091), 2023 (2,085), Mary's year-to-year percentage change in popularity is 0.29%. The name Mary was most popular in 1921, making up 3.42% of baby names (or about one in 29 babies), and reached its lowest point in 2022 with a usage rate of 0.1%.

Country-Specific Prevalence
Mary Popularity by Country
FlagCountryRankPopularity
Canada41.1%
United States61.2%
New Zealand120.66%
Australia1410.2%
United Kingdom3440.05%

People named Mary are predominantly found in United States (US), particularly in Pennsylvania (PA), where it makes up 1.7% of the population.

Data Source

The data in this section was gathered from a variety of sources, including:

To enhance readability, percentages are rounded up. Values less than 0.0015% have been omitted.

Additional Information on Mary

Pronunciation and Phonetics

Name
Mary
Pronunciation
  • m-eh-r-ee
  • mair-ee
  • MARE-ree
  • MEHR-ee
  • M-A-R-Y
IPA Notation
mɛˈɹi
Syllable
Chinese Translation of the Name Mary
Translation
马里
Pronunce
(PinYin) : mǎ lǐ
Feng Shui
WaterFire
Mary in Numerology
Mary: Name to Numerology Conversion
MARY
17
49

Applying the rules of numerology (Pythagorean numerology):

Mary's Soul Number (Heart's Desire Number): Number 8

  • Embrace your true self when you have achieved financial independence, secured a stable job, and established your own home.
  • You aspire to become a business-minded leader, guided by high ideals and an attitude of abundance.
  • You desire equity, empowerment, and abundance in both your personal and professional life.

Mary's Expression Number (Personality Number): Number 4

  • You are highly skilled and often seek physically engaging activities.
  • You particularly enjoy physical exercise, sports, or construction and repair activities.

Mary's Destiny Number (Life Path Number): Number 3

  • You are optimistic, creative, enthusiastic, romantic, and humorous, bringing joy to those around you.
  • You possess excellent creative leadership skills and have a knack for business success.
Famous People Named Mary
  • Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ: A pivotal figure in Christianity, the mother of Jesus Christ.
  • Mary I of England: Known as "Bloody Mary," Queen of England from 1553 to 1558.
  • Mary Shelley: English author best known for her novel "Frankenstein."
  • Mary Pickford: Canadian-American actress and one of the founders of United Artists.
  • Mary Curie: Polish and naturalized-French physicist and chemist, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.

User-Submitted Information about Mary

  • Mary Read (c. 1685-1721) was an English pirate operating in the West Indies, living under the name Mark Read. She was active as a pirate from about 1708 to her capture and death in 1721. She also served in the British Army and was briefly a privateer. Most of what we know about her life comes from A General History of the Pyrates, the accuracy of which is highly debated, but we know she was imprisoned in Port Royal, Jamaica for piracy, and died of a fever in prison. She was buried in St. Catherine Parish, Jamaica.

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  • Mary Fitzgerald (born 1980) is a real estate agent for the Oppenheim Group who is notable for starring in the Netflix reality series Selling Sunset.

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  • One of my favorite bearers of this name is Mary Jo Kopechne, who tragically lost her life in the Chappaquiddick incident in 1969.

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Conclusion

Mary is a name that has stood the test of time, evolving and adapting to the changing cultural landscape. Its profound meaning, captivating emotion, and enduring symbolism make it a timeless choice for parents seeking a name that embodies both strength and vulnerability. Whether rooted in religious beliefs or personal preferences, Mary continues to inspire and evoke admiration, making it a fitting choice for individuals who embody its multifaceted qualities.

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