America loves Mary

Carmel

Hebrew

"garden"

Carmel is a biblical place-name that is often used by Catholic parents around the world. It is given in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and is the name of a mountain ridge on the Mediterranean near…

Carmelita

Diminutive of Carmel, Hebrew

"garden"

Carmelita is an obscure short form of an obscure name that may rise to new prominence during the 2012 Olympics, via runner Carmelita Jeter aka "The World's Fastest Woman." Carmelita has a…

Rosario

Spanish

"rosary"

Anglo parents are taking note of this Hispanic classic, thanks to actress Rosario Dawson and a character on Will & Grace. Poetic and powerful, it comes from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary,…

Rosary

English word name

"Rose" names are big right now, as are spiritual names , so this rare option could fit the bill for Catholic parents looking for an overtly religious choice. The Rosary is a form of prayer in the…

Marissa

Variation of Maris or a combination of Maria + Louisa

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

Pretty feminissima name that never became as overused as cousin Melissa. The more streamlined Maris is a more modern sounding option. Namesakes include Marissa Mayer, the former CEO of Yahoo!. The…