Find out how popular the first name Mary has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mary by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Mary is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Mary being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 2,062 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mary.

The history of the first name Mary

The given name Mary has a rich and fascinating history that spans thousands of years and multiple cultures. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where it was derived from the word "mr," meaning "love" or "beloved." In Hebrew, the name takes the form of Miriam, which is believed to mean "wished-for child," "bitter," or "rebellious."

One of the earliest and most well-known historical references to the name Mary is in the New Testament of the Bible, where it is the name of the mother of Jesus Christ. According to Christian tradition, Mary was a young Jewish woman from Nazareth who was chosen by God to give birth to the savior of the world. Her story is central to the Christian faith and has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music throughout history.

Another notable Mary from ancient times was Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus who is mentioned several times in the New Testament. She is often depicted as a repentant sinner who became one of Jesus' most devoted disciples. In the Middle Ages, Mary Magdalene was venerated as a saint and became a symbol of redemption and spiritual transformation.

The name Mary also has a strong association with royalty and nobility. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587), who ruled Scotland from 1542 to 1567. Despite her tumultuous reign and eventual execution, Mary remains a iconic figure in Scottish history and has been the subject of numerous books, films, and plays.

Another royal Mary was Queen Mary I of England (1516-1558), also known as "Bloody Mary" for her persecution of Protestants during her reign. She was the daughter of King Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, and ruled England from 1553 until her death in 1558.

The name Mary has also been borne by several influential women in the fields of science, literature, and social reform. One notable example is Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797), an English writer and philosopher who is considered one of the earliest advocates for women's rights. Her work, including the groundbreaking treatise "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman," laid the foundation for modern feminism.

Another pioneering Mary was Mary Anning (1799-1847), an English fossil collector and paleontologist whose discoveries helped to shape the field of geology. Despite facing significant barriers as a working-class woman in the male-dominated world of science, Anning made several important finds, including the first complete skeleton of an ichthyosaur.

Throughout history, the name Mary has been consistently popular and has been used in various forms and spellings across different cultures. In addition to its use in English-speaking countries, variations of the name can be found in Spanish (María), Italian (Maria), French (Marie), and many other languages.

Today, Mary remains a beloved and timeless name that continues to be given to girls all over the world. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its rich history and cultural significance, as well as its association with some of the most remarkable and inspiring women in human history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Mary was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Mary, please contact us.

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