Mary
The Small Cowper Madonna (Raphael, c. 1505, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.)
Meaning and Origin
The name Mary originates from the Hebrew name 'Miryam' (מִרְיָם), which is often interpreted to mean 'their rebellion' or 'With Sorrow.' Over centuries, the name transitioned into Greek as 'Maria' (Μαρία) and later into Latin and English as 'Mary.' Its linguistic journey reflects its deep historical and religious roots, beginning in ancient Israel and spreading widely through Christian traditions. Mary is one of the most enduring and widely recognized names throughout history, largely due to its prominence in the Bible and its association with key female figures in Christianity.
The Small Cowper Madonna (Raphael, c. 1505, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.)
Name Mary in languages of the Bible
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Popularity Analysis
The name Mary is globally recognized and cherished, with significant popularity in countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. Its widespread use across cultures and languages, including variations such as Maria, Marie, and Miriam, reflects its deep-rooted religious and cultural significance. Mary remains a top choice for girls' names in Christian-majority countries and holds a revered status in Islamic traditions as well, where Maryam is celebrated as the mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus). Beyond its religious connotations, the name Mary has influenced art, literature, and music, symbolizing purity, grace, and devotion across the world.
| Country | Variant | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Maria | 2 |
| Brazil | Maria | 2 |
| Argentina | Maria | 2 |
| Uruguay | Maria | 2 |
| Nicaragua | Maria | 2 |
| Angola | Maria | 2 |
| Namibia | Maria | 2 |
| Guam | Maria | 2 |
| Aruba | Maria | 2 |
| Cabo Verde | Maria | 2 |
| South Africa | Maria | 3 |
| Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of | Maria | 3 |
| Italy | Maria | 3 |
| Cameroon | Marie | 3 |
| Honduras | Maria | 3 |
Showing top 15 of 202 records
Biblical and Cultural Significance
Mary is one of the most significant names in Christianity, primarily due to its association with Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. With a Jesus Circle Score of 99.8/100 and a Divine Proximity Index of 92.4/100, her role as the Theotokos (God-bearer) underscores her unparalleled spiritual importance. She is revered for her faith, humility, and obedience to God's will, making her a central figure in the Incarnation narrative. Additionally, Mary Magdalene, another key biblical figure bearing this name, is celebrated as the first witness to Jesus' resurrection, earning her the title 'Apostle to the Apostles.' Other biblical Marys, such as Mary of Bethany and Mary of Clopas, further enrich the name's spiritual legacy by embodying devotion, discipleship, and service.
Biblical Context
The name Mary appears in 154 biblical verses, underscoring its prevalence in Scripture. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is central to the Gospel narratives, from the Annunciation (Luke 1:26–38) to the Crucifixion (John 19:25–27) and beyond. Mary Magdalene is prominently featured in all four Gospels as a devoted follower of Christ, witnessing His crucifixion and being the first to encounter the risen Jesus (John 20:11–18). Mary of Bethany, known for anointing Jesus' feet and listening attentively to His teachings, exemplifies devotion and faith (Luke 10:38–42; John 12:1–8). These biblical accounts highlight the name's association with faithfulness, spiritual insight, and proximity to Jesus' ministry.
Divine Proximity Metrics
God Proximity
SNA: 2.89 | Percentile: 92.41
Jesus Proximity
SNA: 16.56 | Percentile: 99.83
Biblical References
- Matthew 1:24
- John 8:2
- Luke 7:48
- Matthew 1:16
- Matthew 1:20