Mariana is a beautiful and unique feminine given name with a rich history and profound meaning. It has its origins in the Latin language and means "of the sea" or "from the sea." This name is derived from the Roman goddess of the sea, Marina, who was also known as the protector of sailors.
The name Mariana gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly among Spanish royalty and nobility. It was often given to daughters born into wealthy families or those with strong ties to the sea. The name has since become popular worldwide, although it remains most commonly associated with Spain and Latin America.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Mariana. One of the most famous is Mariana of Austria (1634-1696), who was a member of the Spanish Hapsburg royal family and served as regent for her young son, King Charles II of Spain. Another notable figure is Mariana Pineda (1804-1831), a Spanish seamstress and martyr who was executed by firing squad during the Spanish Inquisition for her involvement in political unrest.
Today, the name Mariana continues to be beloved by parents around the world looking for a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughters. Its unique sound and profound meaning make it an attractive choice for those seeking a beautiful and significant name for their child. Despite its popularity, however, Mariana remains somewhat uncommon outside of Spain and Latin America, making it a wonderful choice for parents who want their daughter to stand out in a unique way.
The name Mariana has been given to babies born in the United States since at least 1888, with a total of 5 births recorded that year. The number of babies named Mariana fluctuated over the years, ranging from as low as 5 births per year during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to as high as 1257 births in recent years.
The name's popularity began to increase significantly around the mid-20th century. In 1963, there were 56 births, which more than doubled to 126 births in 1977. The trend continued to rise steadily throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, reaching 242 births in 1980.
The name Mariana gained even more traction in the 1990s and 2000s. Between 1990 and 2000, there were an average of 768 births per year. This number peaked in 2004 with a total of 1991 births. Since then, Mariana has consistently ranked among the top 1000 baby names for girls in the United States.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Mariana has remained stable. Between 2015 and 2023, there have been an average of 1167 births per year, with a peak of 1257 births recorded in 2022. As of 2023, a total of 43377 babies named Mariana have been born in the United States since 1888.
This statistical overview demonstrates that while Mariana may not have been one of the most popular names historically, it has gained significant traction over time and continues to be chosen by parents for their daughters today.