The name Mary is of Latin origin and means "bitter sea." It was derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, which also means "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness."
Mary has been a popular given name for centuries, with its usage being deeply rooted in Christian history. The most famous bearer of this name is Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, who is considered a sacred figure in Christianity. As such, the name Mary has always held significant religious importance.
The name Mary was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066 and quickly became popular among the nobility. It was also commonly used among the general population throughout Europe during the Middle Ages.
Some notable historical figures with the name Mary include Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587), who ruled Scotland from 1543 to 1567, and Mary I of England (1516-1558), who was queen from 1553 until her death. Additionally, the name has been used by several saints throughout history.
In literature, Mary is a popular character name in works such as Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" and Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick." The name has also been used in various forms of media, including movies, television shows, and music.
Overall, the name Mary is steeped in history and religious significance, making it a timeless choice for parents looking to give their daughter a classic and meaningful name. Despite its centuries-old origins, Mary remains popular today and continues to be associated with grace, strength, and dignity.
The name Mary experienced varying popularity over the years with a total of 1867 births recorded between 1882 and 2023. The number of births fluctuated significantly; while there were as many as 37 births in 1918, there were only 5 births in certain years like 1994 and 2015. The most recent data available shows that the name Mary remained popular with 8 births recorded in 2023.