Of Greek and Hebrew origin.
Mary is the English form of Maria, which in turn is the Latin form of the Greek name Μαρία.
This was the Greek translation of Hebrew Miryam, the name of Moses’ sister in the Old Testament.
Most sources determine the origin of the name to be found in the Aramaic word “myrrh”, meaning bitter.
Another theory mentions the meaning of Miryam to be “rebelliousness”.
It is also associated with an Egyptian name, derived from the words “mry”, meaning beloved and “mr” meaning love.
During the Middle Ages the name Mary was also connected to the sea, due to the Latin word “mare”, meaning sea, which was “maria” in plural.
It was widely used because of its associations with the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ and with Mary Magdalene.
Mary is a very popular name since the 16th century.
The Latin form of Mary, Maria, was for many decades the most popular name in the Spanish speaking countries.
Notable bearers of the name were three women of royalty: Mary Queen of the Scots, Mary Tudor Queen of France and Mary I of England.
Other forms of the name are Maria, Marie, Mariam, Maryam, Marika, Marilyn, Mari, Maia, Marianne, Marion, Mia, Mara, Malia, May, Molly, Manon, Mariazinha, Marise, Marzena, Mirele, etc.
Famous bearers are Mary Shelley, Mary J. Blige, Mary Quant, Mary Tyler Moore, Mary Steenburgen, Mary McDonnell, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Mary Pickford, Mary Wilson.
Multi-awarded performer Mary J. Blige is one fine example of the creativity and potential of this name.
She is a successful and popular singer, songwriter, actress and record producer. She is among the few entertainers in the world that have eight multi-platinum albums.
She is ranked in several lists, such as the “100 Greatest Singers of All Times” by “Rolling Stone” magazine, and by 2004 she launched her own record label.