Mary is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin. It means "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness". The name Mary is derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, which was borne by several important women in the Bible, including Moses' sister and the mother of Jesus.
The name Mary has been widely used throughout history and has become one of the most popular names for girls in many parts of the world. In the Middle Ages, it was a common name among the nobility in England, France, and other European countries. During the Renaissance period, Mary became even more popular due to its association with the Virgin Mary, who was a revered figure in Catholic art and literature.
In modern times, the name Mary continues to be popular, particularly among English-speaking countries. It is often associated with traditional values and is seen as a classic, timeless name. Some famous people named Mary include the former U.S. First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, actresses Mary Tyler Moore and Mary-Kate Olsen, and singer-songwriter Mary J. Blige. Despite its long history and widespread use, the name Mary remains fresh and appealing to many parents seeking a strong, feminine name for their daughters.
The name Mary has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century and beyond. The statistical data provided indicates a trend of fluctuating popularity throughout different periods.
From 1900 to around 1930, the number of babies named Mary was consistently high, reaching its peak in the early 1920s with over 45,000 births each year. This period can be considered the golden age for the name Mary, reflecting perhaps societal norms or cultural influences of that time.
However, from the mid-1930s onwards, we see a gradual decrease in the popularity of the name Mary, reaching an all-time low in the late 20th century and early 21st century with fewer than 500 babies named Mary per year between 1986 and 2005.
Despite this decline, it is important to note that even during its lowest points of popularity, the name Mary was still given to several hundred newborns annually, demonstrating enduring appeal among some parents.
In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in naming babies Mary. While not reaching the heights of past decades, we see a slow upward trend from around 2015 onwards, with over 2,000 births each year since then.
Overall, while it may no longer be as ubiquitous as it once was, the name Mary remains a classic choice among parents in America. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless sound and association with numerous historical figures and religious icons.