Marie is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Hebrew name Miriam. It means "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness," but it can also signify "lady" or "exalted one." This name has been widely popular throughout history and across various cultures.
The name Marie is believed to have originated from the ancient Hebrew name Miriam, which was borne by several significant biblical figures. One of the most notable was Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, who played a crucial role in the story of the Israelites' escape from Egypt. Another famous bearer of this name was Miriam, the mother of Jesus in Christian tradition.
Marie gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly among French nobility. It was further popularized by several royal figures, such as Mary I (Mary Tudor) and Mary II (Mary Stuart), who ruled over England and Scotland respectively. Throughout history, many saints, artists, writers, and historical figures have been named Marie or variants of this name.
The name Marie has also been used in various languages and cultures around the world, with some common variants including Maria (Spanish, Portuguese, Italian), María (Spanish), Marieke (Dutch), Marika (Finnish), Maja (Scandinavian), and Mary (English).
In literature and arts, several notable characters have borne this name. For instance, Marie Antoinette was a famous French queen whose life inspired numerous books, plays, films, and operas. Other examples include Maria von Trapp from "The Sound of Music," and Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.
Overall, the name Marie has a rich history and cultural significance, with its origins rooted in ancient Hebrew tradition and its popularity spanning across various languages and cultures throughout the centuries.
Based on the statistics provided, the popularity of the name Marie has shown significant fluctuations over time in the United States.
The name first peaked in popularity between the late 1800s and early 1900s, with a total of over 26,000 births recorded between 1894 to 1907. The highest number of births in this period was in 1912, with 6,642 babies named Marie.
However, the popularity of the name began to decline after the 1930s. Between 1931 and 1968, there were fewer than 3,000 births each year for girls named Marie. The lowest point was in 1968 with only 2,375 births.
The popularity of the name Marie continued to decline throughout the late 20th century. Between 1969 and 2000, there were fewer than 1,000 births each year for girls named Marie.
However, in recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Marie. Between 2001 and 2023, the number of births for girls named Marie has fluctuated between 451 and 537 each year. This suggests that while the name is not as popular as it once was, it remains a classic choice for parents in the United States.
Overall, these statistics show that while the popularity of the name Marie has waxed and waned over time, it continues to be a timeless and beloved choice among parents in the United States.