Marieke

Dutch diminutive of Mary

"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

Marieke Origin and Meaning

The name Marieke is a girl's name of Dutch origin.

Marieke is a Dutch and Frisian feminine name, serving as a diminutive form of Maria. Ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, it shares the same roots as Mary, meaning "sea of bitterness," "rebelliousness," or possibly "wished-for child." Pronounced mah-REE-keh, this melodic name is particularly popular in the Netherlands and Belgium. It gained international attention through Dutch gold medal Olympic swimmer Marieke Guehrer and through references in popular culture, including Jacques Brel's famous song "Marieke." The name has a gentle, flowing quality with its soft ending, combining traditional roots with a distinctive sound. While uncommon outside of Dutch-speaking regions, Marieke offers an appealing alternative to more familiar Mary derivatives that still feels accessible to English speakers.

Popularity of the name Marieke

• 290 Germany 2016

Famous People Named Marieke

• (Marieke) Anouk Dekker Dutch footballer
• Marieke Nijkamp Dutch author
• Marieke Josephine Hardy Australian actress and broadcaster
• Marieke Stam Dutch speed skater
• Marieke Birgitta van Doorn Dutch field hockey player
• Marieke van den Ham Dutch water polo player
• Marieke Aleida Westerhof Dutch rower
• Anne Marie Louise "Marieke" Wijsman Dutch speed skater
• Marieke Blaauw Dutch animator and filmmaker