International Baby Names
International Variations of Mary
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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…
Isamar
Spanish, Conflation of Isabella and Maria
This is one elaboration of the ubiquitous Isobel that we think should be chosen more often and would work well in many languages.
Mirel
Yiddish diminutive of Miriam, Romanian variant of Mireille
"beloved; bitter; drop of the sea; to admire"
Mirel is a sparky diminutive of Miriam, making it one of many international choices connected to the classic, Biblical Mary. Also spelled as Mirele, from this origin, it is notably used in Israel,…
Maija
Finnish and Latvian variation of Maria
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…
Maijii
Maijii is a feminine name with possible Japanese origins, though it may also be a modern invented name. In Japanese contexts, it might relate to the word "mai" meaning "dance" or "brightness," while…
Maike
Maike is a feminine name with Germanic origins, primarily used in Germany, the Netherlands, and Frisian regions. It's a variation of Maria or a diminutive of Marita or Mareike. In German usage, it's…
Maiken
Diminutive of Maria, Danish, Norwegian
"beloved, bitter, drop in the sea"
A sweet but spiky diminutive of Maria, familiar in Norway.
Maikki
Finnish variation of Mary
An unusual name that has not ventured outside the Finnish culture.
Meryl
Variation of Muriel via Meriel, Irish
"of the bright sea"
Meryl is a name that's at once rare and famous, thanks to Meryl (born Mary Louise) Streep. Streep's name is an invented short form of Mary Louise, but Meryl might also be a contraction of the unique…
Maira
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…
Maire
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."
Mairi
Scottish variation of Mary
"bitter"
Why does Mairi (rhymes with Harry) seem so much cooler than Mary? This Irish form of Mary was not used before the seventeenth century, as it was considered too sacred. The vocative case of the name,…
Majken
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…
Marije
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.
Malou
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,…
Mame
Diminutive of Mary or Margaret
Has a dotty, antic feel via dotty, antic Auntie Mame.
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…
Manette
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.
Manka
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…
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…