Maria

A girl's name meaning uncertain meaning (possibly "beloved" or "bitterness").

Approved in Estados Unidos. Maria is on the official SSA list of names you can register. 27,729 births registered in 2016–2025.

Origin

Latin form of Greek Μαρία (María), from Hebrew מִרְיָם (Miryam), the name of Moses's sister in the Bible; the original Hebrew meaning is not known for certain.

Story

Because of the Virgin Mary, it became one of the most widely used names in the Christian world, though in some periods and cultures it was considered too holy for everyday use. Portugal had two ruling queens by this name, Maria I in the 18th century and Maria II in the 19th. Today it is frequently used as the first element of compound names (Maria João, Maria Beatriz) or paired with another name.

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Sources & references