Maria is a feminine given name of Latin origin that means "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness". It is derived from the Hebrew name Mariam, which was borne by several significant biblical figures including Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ.
The name Maria has been popular throughout history and across various cultures. In medieval Europe, it was a common name among royalty, with notable examples including Queen Maria I of Portugal and Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. In literature, Maria is also the title character of Prosper Merimée's novella "Carmen", which later inspired George Bizet's famous opera.
Today, Maria remains a popular choice for parents around the world looking to name their daughters. It has been consistently ranked among the top 100 most popular names in countries such as Spain, Italy, Poland, and the United States. Variations of the name include Marie, Mary, Mariah, and Marley, each with its own unique charm.
In summary, Maria is a classic feminine given name with Latin origins that has been widely used throughout history. Its meaning may evoke images of strength or rebellion, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a powerful yet timeless name for their daughter.
The name Maria has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century and a half, with its popularity peaking in the mid-20th century before declining more recently.
From 1880 to around 1960, the number of births named Maria showed steady growth. In fact, between 1880 and 1945, there were only two years when fewer than 100 babies were named Maria: 1880 with 125 births and 1881 with 120 births. The number of births named Maria reached its peak in the United States in 1963, with a total of 9842 newborn girls receiving the name.
However, since the late 1960s, the popularity of the name Maria has gradually decreased. Between 1970 and 2022, there were only four years when more than 10,000 babies were named Maria: 1975 with 10,432 births, 1980 with 10,062 births, 1985 with 10,134 births, and 1990 with 10,186 births.
By the early 2000s, the number of births named Maria had fallen to around 3,000 per year. Between 2000 and 2022, there were only three years when more than 3,000 babies were named Maria: 2001 with 3,756 births, 2004 with 3,892 births, and 2016 with 3,115 births.
Overall, despite its decline in recent decades, the name Maria remains one of the most popular girls' names in U.S. history, with a total of 559,940 babies named Maria between 1880 and 2022.