The name Mariana is of Latin origin and has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It was first used as a female given name in the Middle Ages, derived from the male name Marianus, which means "of Mars" or "dedicated to Mars," the Roman god of war.
Mariana is also associated with the Virgin Mary, as Marianus can be translated as "related to Mary." This connection has made the name popular among Christians throughout history. In fact, one of the most famous Mariannas in history was Saint Mariana de Jesús (1692-1748), a Spanish nun and mystic who was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2004.
In literature, Mariana appears as a character in Shakespeare's Measure for Measure. The name has also been used in various other works of art, such as paintings and musical compositions, further contributing to its cultural significance.
Today, Mariana remains a popular given name around the world, particularly among Spanish-speaking communities. It is often associated with warmth, elegance, and strength, reflecting the qualities of its historical figures and the rich cultural heritage it embodies.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Mariana:
In the United States, over a span of nearly three decades (1980 to 2007), there were a total of 85 babies named Mariana at birth each year.
The name's popularity fluctuated over this period. It started with a peak in 1980 when there were 8 births, then dipped to just 5 births in both 1983 and 1988.
However, the popularity of the name began to rise again in the mid-1980s. In 1989, there were 9 babies named Mariana born that year. This trend continued into the 1990s with a steady increase in popularity, reaching another peak in 1993 and 1995 with 7 births each year.
The name Mariana maintained its popularity throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, with an average of around 6 to 7 births per year. This includes 7 births in both 2002 and 2005, and 6 births in 2004.
These statistics demonstrate that while the name Mariana has had its ups and downs in popularity over time, it has consistently remained a popular choice among parents in the United States during this period.