Girl · 43rd of 35,406
Maria
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
567,411
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1964
Peak Popularity Year
10,196
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Maria stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Maria is of Hebrew origin, derived from Miriam, meaning 'beloved' or 'sea of bitterness'. It has evolved through various languages, including Latin and English. The name is often linked to biblical figures, adding to its significance. Maria is viewed positively in modern contexts, symbolizing grace and kindness, and has numerous notable bearers.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/məˈriːə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Maria is derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, which means 'sea of bitterness' or 'beloved'. It has been used in various cultures and languages, often associated with the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition.
Meaning
beloved, sea of bitterness
Language Evolution
Miriam (Hebrew), Maria (Latin), Marie (French), Mary (English)
Biblical Background
The name has strong biblical connotations, as it is linked to Miriam, the sister of Moses, and Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Historical Usage
Maria gained popularity in the Christian world during the Middle Ages, especially in Europe, due to the veneration of the Virgin Mary.
Variants & Derivatives
Marie, Mary, Miriam, Maja
Modern Popularity & Image
Maria remains a widely used name across various cultures and is often associated with gentleness and grace.
Famous People
Maria Montessori, Maria Callas, Maria Sharapova, Maria von Trapp
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 10,196 peak births in 1964
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Texas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 9 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1670th of 7545 | 330 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1196th of 6773 | 598 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1276th of 7552 | 691 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1035th of 10718 | 984 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1149th of 16616 | 1,304 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4523rd of 24088 | 301 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 10747th of 23106 | 64 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 135th of 9107 | 32,603 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 112th of 9204 | 42,694 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 66th of 12526 | 125,633 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 36th of 19264 | 128,500 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 46th of 27321 | 107,640 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 43rd of 35406 | 87,837 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 103rd of 30306 | 33,245 |