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International Variations of Mary

  1. Mariette

    • Origin:

      French diminutive of Marie

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

    • Description:

      A less-popular alternative to Juliette, perhaps – although it feels rather more dated.
  2. Maija

    • Origin:

      Finnish and Latvian variation of Maria

    • Description:

      A lovely and typical name on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Bothnia that no one in the English-speaking world will know how to pronounce. Maia sounds (virtually) the same and is far more familiar outside Finland and Latvia.
  3. Maire

    • Origin:

      Finnish, Irish variation of Mary

    • Meaning:

      "sweet; drop of the sea, bitter"

    • Description:

      Both Maire and Mare have begun making inroads with parents seeking novel yet authentic ways of honoring an ancestral Mary. The Finnish variation derives from the word mairea, meaning "sweet."
  4. Marisa

    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish combination of Maria and Louisa

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + famous battle"

    • Description:

      A name made famous by Marisas Berenson and Tomei, never became as saturated as its cousin Melissa, so still a feasible choice. Marisa is one of those Spanish and Italian names for girls that sounds at once unusual and familiar, which makes it truly an international choice.
  5. Malou

    • Origin:

      Combination of Mary and Lou

    • Meaning:

      "bitter; renowned warrior"

    • Description:

      This charming name, popular in France and the Netherlands, has not traveled to the U.S. yet but would make a modern way to honor grandma Mary or Louise, or as a perfect short form of Mary Louise. Or, with the growing fashion for nickname names, it can stand perfect well on its own. One of several similar variations — Lou, Lilou, Louane — in vogue in Europe.
  6. Masha

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Maria, Hebrew or Egyptian

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

    • Description:

      Looking to honor Grandma Mary (or Maria) with something original? This Russian short form bears an unfortunate resemblance to the English word "mash", but if you can look past that, Masha has possibilities.
  7. Mariela

    • Origin:

      Spanish diminutive of Maria

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

    • Description:

      Variant of Mariella
  8. Marya

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "purity, bright whiteness"

    • Description:

      The final a adds a lot of style.
  9. Mura

    • Description:

      Mura is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Japanese, it can mean 'village' or derive from elements meaning 'gathering' and 'affection.' In Irish Gaelic, Mura relates to the name of a 7th-century saint, while in Hungarian, it refers to a river. The name also appears in Slavic regions with various meanings. This cross-cultural presence gives Mura a global appeal while maintaining a simple, melodic quality that transcends linguistic boundaries. The name is characterized by its brevity and musical flow, with just two syllables that are easy to pronounce in multiple languages. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Mura offers a distinctive choice for parents seeking a short, meaningful name with international connections and a gentle, feminine sound.
  10. Miren

    • Description:

      Miren is a feminine Basque name meaning 'beloved' or 'wished-for child.' It is the Basque form of Mary/Maria, connecting it to a rich religious tradition while maintaining a distinct cultural identity. Common in the Basque Country of northern Spain and southwestern France, Miren remains relatively rare outside these regions, giving it an air of uniqueness internationally. The name combines simplicity with an intriguing cultural depth, making it appealing to parents drawn to short, meaningful names with European heritage. Its pronunciation (MEE-ren) is relatively intuitive for non-Basque speakers. In recent years, as interest in distinctive cultural names has grown, Miren has gained modest international recognition while remaining true to its Basque roots.

  11. Marita

    • Origin:

      German and Spanish diminutive of Maria

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

    • Description:

      Derived from Maria, the meaning of which is uncertain. Theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).
  12. Maira

    • Description:

      Maira is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic, it relates to Mayra meaning 'exceptional woman' or 'beneficent.' In Scottish Gaelic, it derives from Màiri, a form of Mary. In Greek mythology, Maira was a name associated with the dog star. This cross-cultural name has gained modest popularity in diverse communities worldwide, appreciated for its melodious sound and international appeal. The name is relatively short yet carries a soft, flowing quality with its two syllables. Maira offers the advantage of being recognizable across different languages while remaining distinctive. Its simplicity makes it easy to pronounce in most languages, contributing to its gradual increase in usage in multicultural societies.

  13. Mareike

    • Origin:

      German variation of Mary

    • Meaning:

      "bitter"

    • Description:

      Mary has hundreds of variations around the world, and this German form, pronounced Ma-RYE-keh, is virtually unknown in English-speaking lands. A possible alternative to Mariah?
  14. Mashenka

    • Description:

      Mashenka is a feminine name of Russian origin, functioning as an affectionate diminutive of Maria (Mary). In Russian naming tradition, diminutives express endearment and familiarity. The name Maria ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Miriam, though its exact meaning remains debated, with possible interpretations including 'sea of bitterness,' 'rebelliousness,' or 'wished-for child.' Mashenka carries the warmth and intimate quality characteristic of Russian diminutives. Outside of Russian-speaking communities, the name remains quite rare. The name has a melodic, gentle sound with its soft consonants and flowing rhythm. Mashenka conveys both sweetness and cultural richness, connecting its bearer to Russian literary and cultural traditions where such diminutives feature prominently.
  15. Mendi

    • Description:

      Mendi is a feminine name with multiple potential origins, including as a variant of Mindy (itself a diminutive of Melinda), or from Basque culture where it means "mountain." The name also appears in various cultures including Hebrew traditions. With its short, melodic quality, Mendi has a bright, contemporary sound that remains uncommon in most Western countries. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel, while its soft consonants create an inherently gentle impression. Mendi reached modest recognition in the 1970s and early 1980s but has always remained relatively rare. It appeals to parents seeking a concise, feminine name with cross-cultural appeal and a friendly, approachable quality that works well across age groups.

  16. Marica

    • Origin:

      Croatian and Hungarian form of Maria

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

    • Description:

      A striking form of international favourite Maria, the meaning of which is uncertain. Theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).
  17. Maribeth

    • Origin:

      English, combination of Mary and Beth

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + oath"

    • Description:

      Variant of Marybeth
  18. Marika

    • Origin:

      Dutch variation of Mary

    • Description:

      Foreign variations of Mary are definitely the way to go; this one has a nice Dutch-girl feel. It also works as a cultural crossover name, e.g. between European languages and Japanese.
  19. Maikki

    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of Mary

    • Description:

      An unusual name that has not ventured outside the Finnish culture.
  20. Mame

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Mary or Margaret

    • Description:

      Has a dotty, antic feel via dotty, antic Auntie Mame.