Maritza is a given name with origins tracing back to the ancient Slavic cultures of Eastern Europe. The name likely derived from the Proto-Slavic root "moru," meaning "sea" or "ocean." It may also be connected to the Greek name "Maria," which has similar linguistic roots.

The earliest known uses of Maritza as a given name can be found in historical records from the medieval Balkans, particularly in regions like Bulgaria and North Macedonia. In these areas, the name was often associated with proximity to the Maritsa River, which flows through parts of these countries.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Maritza was a Bulgarian noblewoman named Maritza Asen, who lived in the late 13th century. She was a member of the Asen dynasty, which ruled the Second Bulgarian Empire during the Middle Ages.

Another notable figure from history was Maritza of Wallachia, a 15th-century Romanian princess who married Prince Vlad III Dracula, better known as Vlad the Impaler. Their marriage was short-lived, but Maritza's name has been recorded in various historical accounts of the period.

In the 16th century, there was a Serbian noblewoman named Maritza Branković, who was a member of the influential Branković family. She played a role in the political and cultural affairs of the Serbian Despotate during the Ottoman Empire's expansion into the Balkans.

During the 18th century, Maritza Ghetaldi was an Italian mathematician and philosopher who made significant contributions to the field of calculus. She was one of the few women in her time to achieve recognition in the male-dominated world of academia.

In the 19th century, Maritza Sheyich was a Croatian writer and activist who advocated for women's rights and education. She founded several schools for girls in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik and published works on gender equality and social reform.

While the name Maritza has its roots in Eastern Europe, it has also been used in various other cultures and languages over time, with slight variations in spelling and pronunciation. However, its core meaning and connection to the sea or water bodies have remained consistent throughout its history.