User-created list
Alternatives to Maria
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Marika
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.
Marion
English and French diminutive of Marie
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
An underused classic that has proved surprisingly unisex over the last few decades, being given to roughly the same number of baby girls and boys in the US from the 1970s to the 2000s. For a girl,…
Mariska
Hungarian and Dutch diminutive of Maria
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Robust and energetic with an even blend of spikiness and elegance, Mariska is a diminutive of Maria, notably used in Hungary and The Netherlands. Internationally, it was brought into the spotlight by…
Maristella
Greek, combination of Maria and Stella; Italian; derivation of Stella Maris
"star of the sea"
Maristella is used as a "smoosh" name in Greek, typically with Maria Stella or Maria Styliane on the official birth certificate. Maristella can also stem from the Latin words Maris and Stella,…
Maura
Anglicized variation of Maire, Finnish, Irish variation of Mary"sweet; drop of the sea, bitter"
"sweet; drop of the sea, bitter"
Somber, almost mournful name that still has a lovely sound. Neither really in nor out, Maura has played around at the lower half of the Top 1000 since the late 1940s. It might make one of those…
Maurya
Irish variation of Maura or Mary
"bitter"
Unusual Mary variety with literary underpinnings, most famously as a character in J.M. Synge's Riders to the Sea . You may have to do constant explaining of the spelling and pronunciation, but if…
Mercedes
Spanish
"gracious gifts, benefits"
Mercedes is one of the few names attached to luxury living that we can wholeheartedly recommend, it being a legitimate Spanish appellation stemming from one of the epithets given to the Virgin…
Milagro
Milagro is a feminine name of Spanish origin meaning 'miracle.' This beautiful name carries profound spiritual significance in Hispanic culture, often given to children whose births were considered…
Milagros
Spanish
"miracles"
Even in the Hispanic community, very religious and old-fashioned.
Moira
Irish, variation of Mary
"bitter; beloved; drop of the sea"
Well-established Irish and Scottish name that has never really caught on across the pond. Remembered by an older generation as the beautiful red-haired ballerina in the film The Red Shoes , Moira…
Maria cecelia
Nieves
Spanish
"snows"
A name bestowed in honor of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de la Nieves, referring to a miracle she performed with unmelted snow in the August heat of Rome.
Pilar
Spanish
"pillar"
The fact that this Spanish classic, which honors the Virgin Mary, does not end in the conventional letter 'a' gives it a special sense of strength, elegance, and style, making it a worthy choice. The…
Ria
Spanish
"small river"
Short and feminine, Ria has a rhythmic flow.
Rosa maria
Rosa Maria combines two classic feminine names with rich cultural heritage. Rosa, meaning 'rose' in Latin and many Romance languages, symbolizes beauty and love. Maria derives from the Hebrew name…
Rosaria
Rosaria is a feminine name with Latin and Italian roots, derived from 'rosa' meaning 'rose.' It carries religious significance in Catholicism, often associated with the rosary prayer beads and…
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,…
Saria
Saria is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from Arabic roots, where it relates to 'sariya' meaning 'cloud that travels by night' or 'night journey.' In Hebrew contexts,…
Soledad
Spanish
"solitude"
This strong Spanish name that refers to the Virgin Mary (Our Lady of Solitude) has been made accessible by broadcaster Soledad O'Brien -- who shows how well it combines with an Anglo surname. Her…
Staria
Staria is an uncommon feminine name likely derived from the Latin word 'stella' or various European words for 'star.' With its celestial connection, Staria evokes images of the night sky and carries…