Stylish Variations of Mary
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About this list
The names
Maria
Hebrew or Egyptian
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
As a highly popular girls' name in all Spanish-speaking countries, this saintly Latin variation of Mary retains a timeless beauty. Through the centuries, Maria remains one of the most widely-used…
Maisie
Scottish diminutive of Margaret, Mairead, or Mary, English, Latin, Hebrew
"pearl; bitter, beloved, drop of the seas"
Sweet and sparky, youthful yet long-established, this Scottish nickname for Margaret, Mairead, or Mary, entered the US Top 1000 back in 2014 and has been on the rise ever since, replacing the once…
Miriam
Hebrew or Egyptian
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
The oldest-known form of Mary, serious and solemn Miriam has been a particular favorite of observant Jewish parents. But we can see it extending beyond that sphere into the next wave of Old Testament…
Maren
Latin
"sea"
Maren is one of the many twenty-first-century takes on Mary--but we find the more classic Marin spelling preferable. When spelled Maren, the pronunciation seems more clearly to resemble Mary, with…
Maliyah
Hawaiian variation of Mary
"bitter"
This version of Malia (as in Obama) peaked at Number 296 in 2009. Though Maliyah has lost ground since then, it's surprisingly enduring for a newly-fashion name whose pop culture connection was more…
Marisol
Spanish, contracted form of Maria de la Soledad
"Mary of Solitude; sea and sun"
Bright and vivid, Marisol is a sunny name of Spanish origin and an excellent candidate to cross languages, a la Soledad, Paz, and Solana. Familiar in its native Spain (though no longer a top choice),…
Maurya
Irish variation of Maura or Mary
"bitter"
Unusual Mary variety with literary underpinnings, most famously as a character in J.M. Synge's Riders to the Sea . You may have to do constant explaining of the spelling and pronunciation, but if…
Minnie
Diminutive of Wilhelmina, German
"resolute protection"
Minnie was wildly popular at the turn of the last century — it was the fifth or sixth most popular name throughout the 1880s — but is completely obscure in the US today. Blame Mickey's girlfriend.…
Marine
Latin
"from the sea"
Marine was trending for a long time in France, but the far right politician Marine (born Marion) LePen has dampened the mood.
Mamie
Diminutive of Mary or Margaret, Hebrew, Egyptian, Greek
"drop of the sea or bitter or pearl"
Mamie is back. Having finally shorn her Mamie Eisenhower bangs, this insouciant and adorable nickname name is perfect if you want a zestier way to honor a beloved aunt Mary. Meryl Streep's actress…
Pilar
Spanish
"pillar"
The fact that this Spanish classic, which honors the Virgin Mary, does not end in the conventional letter 'a' gives it a special sense of strength, elegance, and style, making it a worthy choice. The…
Polly
English variation of Molly, diminutive of Mary, Hebrew
"bitter"
An alternative to the no-longer-fresh Molly, the initial 'P' gives Polly a peppier sound, combining the cozy virtues of an old-timey name with the bounce of a barmaid. Associated with Tom Sawyer's…
Socorra
Spanish
"one who helps"
Popular Spanish choice that refers to the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help -- or Perpetuo Socorro.
Maisa
Finnish and Old Swedish form of Maria, Portuguese, Japanese, Georgian, Arabic
"beloved; drop of the sea, bitter; beloved and famous in battle; dance + sand; born in May; walking with a proud gait"
A truly international name with a multitude of origins. From Finnish and Old Swedish, it is one of many international variations of Mary and Maria, and can also be spelled Majsa (pronounced MIE-suh).…
Madonna
Latin
"my lady"
There's only one. Okay, two.
Mariamne
Variation of Maria and Mary, Greek, Hebrew
A historical variation of Maria or Mary, Mariamne is an unusual form of the popular classic. Recorded by the first century historian, Josephus, it was frequently used in the Herodian royal house, and…
May
Diminutive of Margaret and Mary; month name
May is a sweet old-fashioned name that hasn't been on the national charts in several decades, but is definitely sounding fresh and springlike. Parents are beginning to see it once more as one of the…
Manon
French, diminutive of Marie
"bitter"
Manon is an endearing French pet name for Marie or Marianne; it has the international yet straightforward feel that makes it a viable import. Manon of the Spring was a gorgeous French film, Manon…
Marian
French medieval variation of Marie, Hebrew
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Marian's (and sister spelling Marion's) image has gone through a sea change of late, recalling less middle-aged matron and more Robin Hood's romantic Maid Marian. Some influences: the SJ Parker-M.…
Marietta
Italian diminutive of Maria
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Marietta would make for a classy and uncommon long form for cool nickname Etta. The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea");…