MARIA  

Gender: F
Origin: Latin variation of MARY; Aramaic variation of MIRIAM

Popularity in 2008: #64

Imported from Europe in the eighteenth century as a variation for the overused Mary. Today, as the most common name in all Spanish-speaking countries, it's more likely to be an ethnic name, though old-line Wasps still favor it, and it retains a timeless beauty.

Variations:
Mariesa, Mariha, Mariah, Ria, Moriah, Mariessa, Mareah, Marya, Mayria, Marja, Marie, Moraiah, Mariabella, Mayra, Mariae, Mara, Marija, Mariya, Marea, Maie, Mariyah

International Variations:
Mali, Maritza (Spanish)

Maria is being discussed in our message boards:

• Another girl's name to go with Erika
• name help... emily or mia?
• Cheaper By the Dozen
• Samantha?
• A brother or sister for little Jack or Olivia

Read Nameberry blog posts about Maria:

• MIDDLE NAMES: The Strange, The Ordinary, and The Embarrassing
• DAD NAMES: NOTEWORTHY NAMES OF SOME FAMOUS FATHERS
• THE MARY MONTH OF MAY
• MOM NAMES: The Names of Famous Mothers
• PRINCESS NAMES