Maria is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It means "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness." The name was originally used by the Romans to describe someone who was independent and strong-willed.
The name Maria has been popular throughout history. In the Middle Ages, it was often given to girls born on a Tuesday, as this day was dedicated to the Virgin Mary in many Christian communities. The name also gained prominence during the Renaissance period, when artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Titian frequently depicted the Virgin Mary with the name Maria.
Today, Maria remains a popular name around the world. It is particularly common in Spanish-speaking countries, where it is often given to girls born on a Tuesday or named after the Virgin Mary. The name has also been associated with famous figures throughout history, such as Maria Sharapova, the Russian tennis player, and Maria Callas, the Greek-American opera singer.
Overall, the name Maria is rich in history and meaning. Its Latin origins and association with the Virgin Mary give it a sense of strength and dignity, while its widespread popularity makes it a familiar and welcoming choice for parents looking for a feminine given name.
The name Maria has been popular among parents choosing names for their baby girls in the United States over the past century. The statistics show a significant increase in the popularity of this name from the early to mid-20th century, reaching its peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Between 1911 and 1923, there were between 7 and 29 births per year with the name Maria. However, starting in 1925, the number of babies named Maria began to rise more rapidly, reaching a high of 116 births in 1982. This trend continued throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, with over 100 babies named Maria born each year from 1987 to 1991.
After peaking in popularity in the early 1990s, the number of baby girls named Maria began to decline steadily. By the late 2000s and early 2010s, fewer than 10 babies were being named Maria each year in the United States.
Despite this recent decrease in popularity, Maria remains a classic and timeless name choice for many parents. Over the past century, there have been a total of 4,264 baby girls named Maria born in the United States.