Mary
Mary first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1921, when 73,984 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 2,230.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Mary popular?
Declining Mary is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1921 peak.
| 2020s | 12,985 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 25,693 | |
| 2000s | 46,337 | |
| 1990s | 75,723 | |
| 1980s | 95,862 | |
| 1970s | 126,254 | |
| 1960s | 355,240 | |
| 1950s | 625,606 | |
| 1940s | 640,080 | |
| 1930s | 573,000 | |
| 1920s | 701,755 | |
| 1910s | 478,636 | |
| 1900s | 161,504 | |
| 1890s | 131,138 | |
| 1880s | 91,668 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Mary mean?
Mary descends through Greek Maria from the Hebrew Miriam. Its original meaning is debated — proposals include “sea of bitterness,” “beloved,” and “wished-for child.” Borne by Mary the mother of Jesus, it became one of the most enduring names in the Western world.
Nicknames for Mary
- Molly
- Mae
- May
- Mamie
- Polly
Variants & spellings
- Maria
- Marie
- Mariah
Names like Mary
Hebrew names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Mary
Popular Hebrew names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Mary
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mary mean?
Mary means Of debated origin. Mary descends through Greek Maria from the Hebrew Miriam. Its original meaning is debated — proposals include “sea of bitterness,” “beloved,” and “wished-for child.” Borne by Mary the mother of Jesus, it became one of the most enduring names in the Western world.
What is the origin of the name Mary?
Mary is of Hebrew origin.
How do you pronounce Mary?
Mary is pronounced “MAIR-ee.”
Is Mary a boy or a girl name?
Mary is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Mary a popular name right now?
Mary is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1921 peak.
How popular is the name Mary?
In 2025, Mary ranked #125 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Mary most popular?
Mary was most popular in 1921, when about 73,984 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Mary?
Common nicknames for Mary include Molly, Mae, May, Mamie, Polly.
What names are similar to Mary?
Names similar to Mary include Miriam, Maria, Anna, Grace.
What names go well with Mary?
Hebrew names that pair well with Mary include James, Michael, John, David, Matthew.