Marybeth is a unique and elegant name of Irish origin. It is composed of two elements: "Máire" which means "sea" or "bitter sea" in Irish, and "Beth," a short form of the Hebrew name Elizabeth, meaning "God is my oath." Together, Marybeth translates to "bitter sea, God is my oath."
The name Marybeth has a rich history rooted in Irish culture. It was popularized during the 19th century when many Irish immigrants brought their traditions and naming customs with them to North America. However, it remains relatively rare compared to more common names like Mary or Elizabeth.
One of the most notable figures associated with the name Marybeth is Mary Beth Medley, a prominent American artist known for her intricate oil paintings featuring realistic landscapes and wildlife. Born in Missouri in 1940, Medley's work has been exhibited extensively throughout the United States, further popularizing the name Marybeth.
Despite its Irish origins, Marybeth is not limited to any specific culture or nationality today. It continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and elegant meaning, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their child.
Based on the statistical data provided regarding the birth occurrences of the name Marybeth in the United States from 1909 to 2023, we can observe several trends and patterns over time.
In the early years of the 20th century, the number of births with the name Marybeth was relatively low. From 1909 to 1927, there were fewer than 15 births per year on average, with some years having as few as 5 births. However, starting in 1924, we begin to see an increase in the number of babies named Marybeth each year.
This trend continued through the 1930s and 1940s, with a significant jump occurring between 1934 and 1944, where the number of births nearly quadrupled from 23 in 1935 to 63 in 1944. This period saw the highest numbers of Marybeth births until the 1950s.
In the decade spanning from 1950 to 1959, the popularity of the name Marybeth peaked, with over 270 babies named Marybeth each year on average. The peak year was 1958, with a total of 377 births.
However, this high point did not last long, as the number of Marybeth births began to decline in the early 1960s. Between 1962 and 1974, there were fewer than 200 babies named Marybeth each year on average, marking a significant decrease from the previous decade.
This downward trend continued through the late 1980s and into the 1990s, with only a handful of years seeing over 100 births. The lowest point in recent history occurred in 2008, with only 20 Marybeth births recorded that year.
Since then, the popularity of the name has remained relatively low but stable, with an average of around 15-20 births per year from 2010 to 2023. Despite this decline in popularity, it is still possible to find newborn girls named Marybeth each year.
In conclusion, while Marybeth was a popular name for babies born in the United States during the mid-20th century, its usage has significantly declined over time. Nonetheless, the name continues to be given to newborn girls even today, reflecting its enduring appeal among some parents.