Girl · 1st of 12,526
Mary
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
4,154,332
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1921
Peak Popularity Year
74,171
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Mary 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
Mary has its roots in Hebrew, emerging from the name Miriam, which encompasses meanings related to bitterness and belovedness. The name has evolved through various languages, including Latin and French, and has been widely used in the Christian tradition due to its biblical significance. Mary is perceived positively today, often associated with virtue and motherhood. It boasts a rich history of notable figures and retains its popularity.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɛəri/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Mary is derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, which is believed to mean 'sea of bitterness' or 'rebelliousness.' It has also been associated with the meaning 'wished-for child' or 'beloved.'
Meaning
bitter, beloved, wished-for child
Language Evolution
Miriam (Hebrew), Maria (Latin), Marie (French), Maria (Italian, Spanish), Mary (English)
Biblical Background
Mary is a significant figure in the New Testament, known as the mother of Jesus Christ.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Christian world during the Middle Ages, largely due to the veneration of the Virgin Mary.
Variants & Derivatives
Maria, Marie, Miriam, Marya, Maree
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Mary is viewed positively and remains a classic name, often associated with purity and motherhood.
Famous People
Mary Shelley, Mary Magdalene, Mary Berry, Mary Poppins (fictional character)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 74,171 peak births in 1921
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Mississippi
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 8 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 | 388th of 7545 | 3,791 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 330th of 6773 | 5,250 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 598th of 7552 | 3,006 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 895th of 10718 | 1,312 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1691st of 16616 | 717 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 7113th of 24088 | 155 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 20190th of 23106 | 10 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1st of 9107 | 1,194,808 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1st of 9204 | 1,068,827 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1st of 12526 | 1,125,416 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 8th of 19264 | 267,783 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 32nd of 27321 | 140,586 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 59th of 35406 | 74,003 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 123rd of 30306 | 28,226 |