International Baby Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 6 pages
of 6
Maruca is a feminine name with Latin and Romanian origins, functioning as an affectionate diminutive of Maria. The name carries all the warmth and spiritual significance of Maria, which derives from…
Maruja is a feminine Spanish name that originated as an affectionate diminutive form of María. In Spanish-speaking communities, particularly in Spain and parts of Latin America, Maruja has…
Maruska is a feminine name with Slavic origins, primarily used in Czech, Slovak, and other Eastern European cultures. It's a diminutive form of Maria or Marie, carrying the same meaning of 'bitter'…
Combination of Mary and Lou
"bitter; renowned warrior"
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,…
Dutch, Frisian
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
This variant of Mary used in the Netherlands has a long I sound like Mariah, and feels like an interesting twist on the classic name.
Silesian, diminutive of Marie
One of Mary's more edgy and unusual international variants.
Polish diminutive of Maria
The meaning of Maria, from which Maryla is derived, is uncertain. Theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and…
The meaning of Maria, from which Marynia is derived, is uncertain. Theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and…
French diminutive of Marie
Variant of Marise
The meaning of Maria, from which Marysia is derived, is uncertain. Theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and…
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…
Mashka is a diminutive feminine name with Russian origins, typically used as an affectionate nickname for Maria (Mary). In Russian naming traditions, diminutives express warmth and familiarity rather…
Scandinavian version of Marie or Mary, Hebrew or Egyptian
"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"
Majken, which is related to Maiken and Maike, is a popular name in Sweden whose variations are used throughout Scandinavia as cooler forms of Mary. Majken is virtually unknown in the U.S. and…
Mayre is a feminine name that likely developed as a variant spelling of either Mary or Maire (the Irish form of Mary). The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Miriam, though its exact…
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…
Mérane is a delicate feminine name of uncertain origin, possibly derived from French linguistic roots or representing a modern creation inspired by similar-sounding names like Marina or Méranie. The…
Arabic, from Hebrew
A variant spelling of Maryam, most often seen in North Africa.
Mhairie is a feminine Scottish Gaelic variant of Mary, with the 'mh' producing a 'v' sound in Gaelic pronunciation (roughly pronounced 'VAY-ree'). This distinctive spelling reflects traditional…
Finnish, Irish variation of Mary
"sweet; drop of the sea, bitter"
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."
Danish, Norwegian diminutive of Marie, Japanese
"bitter; beauty; three"
A sweet and simple nickname for Marie that could serve to freshen up the outdated full form.
