The name Mari is of Spanish and Basque origin, meaning "of the sea." It is also used in some regions as a short form for the names María or Maria, which have Latin origins and mean "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness."
The name Mari has been used historically in several cultures. In the Basque Country, it is considered to be one of the most traditional female names, with its roots dating back centuries. In Spain, the name has been popular among Catholics due to its association with the Virgin Mary.
In literature and art, Mari has been used as a character name in various works. For instance, "Mari" was the title of a novel written by French author Maxence van der Meersch, which tells the story of a young woman's life in rural France during World War I. Additionally, Japanese painter Katsushika Hokusai created an iconic woodblock print titled "The Wave," also known as "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," featuring a large wave called Mari.
While Mari may not be as widely recognized internationally compared to other names like Maria or Mary, it has a rich history and cultural significance in Spain and the Basque Country. Its meaning, derived from its association with the sea, adds an evocative and powerful element to this name.
Statistics show that the given name Mari has seen varying levels of popularity over recent years in the United States.
Between 2005 and 2023, there were a total of 51 babies named Mari born in the U.S., with fluctuations in birth numbers year by year. Here's a breakdown:
* In 2005, there were 5 births.
* The name remained popular through 2014 and 2015, with 5 births each year.
* After a slight dip to 6 births in 2018, the popularity of Mari increased significantly in 2021, with 10 babies being named Mari that year.
* The trend continued into 2022, with 7 births recorded for the name Mari.
* Most recently, in 2023, there were a notable 13 babies born who were named Mari.
These statistics indicate that while Mari was consistently popular throughout the years, it has seen a significant surge in popularity since 2021.