Origin and Meaning of Maria
Meaning & Origin
Beloved / Sea of Bitterness
Origin: Latin - Derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, which is interpreted to mean 'sea of bitterness', 'rebelliousness', or 'wished for child'.
Interesting Facts
- Maria is a highly versatile name that is popular in many cultures and languages, often associated with the Virgin Mary in Christianity.
- In addition to being a common name in Spanish and Italian cultures, variations exist in many languages, such as Marie (French), Mary (English), and Mária (Hungarian).
- Notable figures bearing the name Maria include Maria Curie, the physicist and chemist, and Maria Callas, the celebrated opera singer.
- The name has consistently ranked among the top names for girls in various countries, showing resilience in popularity across decades.
- Related names include Mariah, Maryann, and Mariana, which showcase the name's cultural adaptability and surname transformations.