N
NamyLab

Mary

female
Updated 7 months ago

Meaning

"Beloved; Bitterness; Rebellion"

English form of Maria, with debated Hebrew etymology, central to Christian devotion and long used across Europe.

Themes:marianbiblicaldevotiontradition
BiblicalRoyalRegalClassicTraditionalTimeless

Fact-checked by Dr. Elena Vasquez

Ph.D. Medieval History, StanfordPublished Academic ResearcherHistory Professor (Adjunct) • Historical Names Consultant

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of Mary

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#132Top 500

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Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#132

Mary was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
+1

better than 2023

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

Mary Nicknames

Familiar short forms, playful variations, and easy everyday options for Mary.

12 ideas
May
Nickname
Molly
Nickname
Polly
Nickname
Mare
Nickname
mary
Nickname
my
Nickname
mo
Nickname
ma
Nickname
maryie
Nickname
maryy
Nickname
mie
Nickname
maryo
Nickname

Similar Names to Mary

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Anna

AN-uh

“Grace; Favor”

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Amanda

uh-MAN-duh

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Amy

AY-mee

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Angela

AN-juh-luh

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Abigail

AB-ih-gayl

“My Father Is Joy”

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“Amber Resin”

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Baby Name Lists That Include Mary

Browse every Namylab list page that currently includes Mary, from meaning and origin collections to letter, syllable, and themed baby name lists.

33 linked lists

Famous Marys

  • M
    Mary Magdalene
    Biblical figure and follower of Jesus Christ. According to Christian tradition, first to witness the resurrection.
  • M
    Mary Queen of Scots
    Queen of Scotland in the 16th century. Her execution and claim to English throne shaped European politics.
  • M
    Mary Shelley
    British author of 'Frankenstein', written when she was 18. Pioneered science fiction as a literary genre.
  • M
    Mary Wollstonecraft
    British writer and advocate for women's rights. Author of 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman'.
  • M
    Mary Pickford
    Canadian-American actress. Major star of silent film era, co-founded United Artists studio.
  • M
    Mary Tyler Moore
    American actress and producer. Star of iconic television shows, groundbreaking female television pioneer.
  • M
    Mary Somerville
    Scottish scientist and writer. Pioneering female natural philosopher in astronomy and mathematics.
  • M
    Mary Cassatt
    American painter and printmaker. Major Impressionist artist known for paintings of mothers and children.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Mary mean?
Mary means "Beloved; Bitterness; Rebellion". English form of Maria, with debated Hebrew etymology, central to Christian devotion and long used across Europe.
What is the origin of Mary?
Mary is of Hebrew origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name Mary?
According to the latest SSA data, Mary is currently ranked #132 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is Mary a girl name?
Mary is traditionally a girl name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for Mary?
Popular nicknames for Mary include May, Molly, Polly, Mare, and more. These offer shorter, more casual alternatives for everyday use.
What names are similar to Mary?
There are many names similar to Mary in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginHebrew, Latin, English
Syllables2
Length4 letters
US Rank#132
Trend↑ Rising
Starts withM

Sibling Ideas

Explore More Girl Names Like Mary

Mary has Hebrew roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our Hebrew baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

Mary appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Names That Mean Love and Timeless Classic Baby Names for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Biblical Baby Names and Hebrew Baby Names.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Mary pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Mary beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.