The name Mary is of Latin origin and means "bitter sea." It was derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, which also means "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness."
Mary has been a popular given name for centuries, with its usage being deeply rooted in Christian history. The most famous bearer of this name is Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, who is considered a sacred figure in Christianity. As such, the name Mary has always held significant religious importance.
The name Mary was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066 and quickly became popular among the nobility. It was also commonly used among the general population throughout Europe during the Middle Ages.
Some notable historical figures with the name Mary include Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587), who ruled Scotland from 1543 to 1567, and Mary I of England (1516-1558), who was queen from 1553 until her death. Additionally, the name has been used by several saints throughout history.
In literature, Mary is a popular character name in works such as Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" and Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick." The name has also been used in various forms of media, including movies, television shows, and music.
Overall, the name Mary is steeped in history and religious significance, making it a timeless choice for parents looking to give their daughter a classic and meaningful name. Despite its centuries-old origins, Mary remains popular today and continues to be associated with grace, strength, and dignity.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Mary has had varying levels of popularity over time in the United States. From 1882 to 1959, there was an overall increasing trend in the number of births registered with the name Mary each year, reaching a peak in 1946 with 23 births.
However, from 1950 onwards, the popularity of the name Mary began to decline. It reached its lowest point in recent years with only 5 births registered in 2015 and 6 births in both 2020 and 2022. The most recent data available shows that there were 8 births registered with the name Mary in 2023.
Despite this decline in popularity, it is important to note that the name Mary has a rich history and continues to be chosen by parents for their children even today. Each year, several babies are still being named Mary, contributing to its enduring legacy as one of the most classic and beloved names in American culture.