
Origin, Meaning and History of Mary
“Mary” is a biblical name of Hebrew origin, meaning “beloved” or “exalted.” It originated from the name Miriam. In the Old Testament, Miriam was the name of Moses’ sister, who played an important role in the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
Mary is a popular name in the New Testament. The most famous person bearing this name is the Virgin Mary, who is the mother of Jesus Christ. She is considered a central figure in Christianity and is revered as the Mother of God. Mary is also mentioned in the New Testament as the sister of Martha and Lazarus, who were close friends of Jesus. Additionally, Mary Magdalene, who was a follower of Jesus and present at his crucifixion and resurrection, is also referred to as Mary in the New Testament.
During the early centuries of Christianity, the name “Mary” became increasingly popular among Christians, especially after the spread of the religion. This was primarily due to the high regard Mary, the mother of Jesus held. During the Middle Ages, “Mary” became one of the most popular names in Europe and was given to several girls born into Christian families. The name was also associated with the Virgin Mary, who was seen as a symbol of purity and grace.
Famous fictional characters with the name Mary include Mary Poppins, the magical nanny from Disney’s “Mary Poppins”; Mary Jane Watson, Peter Parker’s love interest in the “Spider-Man” comic book series; and Mary Katherine Gallagher, the quirky and loveable character from the movie “Superstar.”
Mary has a long history of popularity as a name for baby girls and has been a staple of traditional and classic names for many decades. While its popularity has declined somewhat in recent years, it is still a well-loved and respected name that many people associate with warmth, love, and tradition.
How To Pronounce Mary?
Famous People With The Name Mary
- Mary-Kate OlsenAmerican fashion designer and actress
- Mary Elizabeth DonaldsonCrown Princess of Denmark
- Mary Louise ParkerAmerican actress
- Mary StuartFormer Queen of Scotland
- Mary WollstonecraftEnglish author
- Mary ShelleyEnglish novelist
- Mary MagdaleneFollower of Jesus Christ
- Mary Burke WashingtonAmerican economist
- Mary AdamsCanadian women’s education reformer
Mary On The Popularity Chart
Mary is a classic and timeless name that has been around for ages, which contributes to its popularity. You can check out the popularity and ranking of this name in the graphs here.
Popularity Over Time
In the early 1900s, Mary was one of the most common names given to baby girls in the United States and remained popular throughout the mid-to-late 20th century. However, its popularity has declined in recent decades, with more unique and modern names becoming popular.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
The rank of the name Mary has fluctuated over time. While it is no longer the most popular name, Mary continues to be a well-known and traditional name that is still widely used and ranked in the top 100 or 200 names in many countries, including the United States.
Source: Social Security AdministrationNames With Similar Sound As Mary
Your search for Biblical names with a similar meaning as Mary may end with the options listed below.
Name numerology for Mary
Your search for Biblical names with a similar meaning as Mary may end with the options listed below.
Name Numerology For Mary


