International Baby Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 6 pages
of 6
Spanish and Filipino combination of Maria and Celia, Hebrew, Latin
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + heaven"
Variant of Maricela, blending Maria and Celia, giving you a variety of meanings. On one hand, it could simply be interpreted as meaning "Maria of the Heavens", perhaps as a celebration of the Virgin…
Marenka is a feminine name with Slavic origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Marina or Mary. In Czech and Slovak traditions, it's a sweet, affectionate variant that adds warmth to the original…
German variation of Mary
"bitter"
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?
Variation of Maria and Mary
"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"
A variation of Maria and Mary, used as a diminutive in Estonia, Croatia, Macedonia, The Netherlands, and Slovenia, and occasionally as a respelling of the Irish Máire. In the first instance, it may…
Marcsa is a distinctively Hungarian feminine name that functions as a diminutive form of Maria (Mary). This charming, compact name reflects the Hungarian naming tradition of creating affectionate,…
Marca is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. In Romance languages, it could be related to the Latin "Marcus" (dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war), serving as a feminine…
Polish
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
This Polish name originated as an affectionate diminutive of Maria, but nowadays it is commonly used as a stand-alone. An interesting alternative to the more familiar elaborations on Mary, like…
Czech diminutive of Maria
Cute but substantial short form, deriving from Maria. The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew…
English elaboration of Maria
A pretty spin on Maria or Marissa.
Dutch form of Margaret or Marie
"pearl; drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Sometimes used a Dutch diminutive of Marie, the meaning of which is uncertain. Theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah…
Variation of Maribel
"beautiful Mary"
Marabel was a form sometimes seen in the seventeenth century, and might appeal to someone looking for an uncommon 'bel' name. Marabel Morgan was a bestselling anti-feminist author of the 1970s.
French diminutive of Marie
A less-popular alternative to Juliette, perhaps – although it feels rather more dated. The meaning of Marie is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam…
Croatian, Slovene, Serbian, Macedonian, Lithuanian, Latvian variation of Maria
Common transcription of Maria throughout Europe.
Dutch variation of Mary
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.
Marinka is a feminine name that serves as a diminutive form of Marina in several Slavic languages, particularly in Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish cultures. The name ultimately derives from the Latin…
Spanish diminutive of Maria
Mariquita derives 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…
Marisha is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Russian and Eastern European cultures. It developed as a diminutive form of Maria (Mary), carrying the same Hebrew roots…
Manka is a feminine name with diverse cultural roots. In African contexts, particularly in countries like Zimbabwe and Malawi, it can be found as a surname and given name. It also has Slavic…
French, diminutive of Marie
Manette might be a fresh way to spin Mary or Marie, but popular French Manon has more grace and heft. Manet takes Manette in an artistic direction.
Scandinavian diminutive of Maria
An unusual Maria variant which feels chic and tailored. The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew…
