Marieke is a feminine given name of Dutch origin. It is derived from the Middle Dutch name Mariëtte, which is itself a diminutive form of Maria. The name Maria has Latin roots and means "sea of bitterness," or more commonly, "one who is beloved" or "exalted one." Therefore, Marieke can be translated to mean "little Mary."
The name Marieke has been popular in the Netherlands for centuries, but it gained significant international recognition through the work of Dutch artist Marieke Schafstad. She was a renowned painter and sculptor known for her innovative use of materials and techniques. Her contributions to the art world have helped to popularize the name Marieke among non-Dutch speakers.
In literature, there are also notable characters named Marieke, such as the protagonist in the novel "Marieke" by Dutch author Tommy Wieringa. This has further contributed to the familiarity and appeal of this name outside of its country of origin.
Overall, Marieke is a unique and distinctive name with a rich history that spans centuries and cultures. Its meaning, while not entirely clear-cut, suggests sweetness, love, or elevation, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a meaningful name for their daughter.
Marieke is a unique and captivating name that has been given to children born in the United States over several decades. According to statistics, the name Marieke experienced periods of popularity and fluctuation in its usage during different years.
In the early 1970s, there were only a few instances where the name Marieke was bestowed upon newborn girls. In 1973, there were 8 births with this name, followed by 5 births in 1975. However, the number of newborns named Marieke began to increase in the late 1970s and early 1980s, reaching a peak of 9 births in 1990.
Interestingly, after 1990, there was another decline in the popularity of the name Marieke. Between 1991 and 1993, there were only 5 births each year with this name. However, the name experienced a resurgence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with 6 births in 1999, 7 births in 2004, and 8 births in both 2005.
Overall, from 1973 to 2005, there were a total of 119 newborn girls named Marieke in the United States. This data illustrates how the popularity of the name Marieke has varied over time, with periods of higher and lower usage. Despite these fluctuations, it is clear that the name Marieke has maintained a consistent presence among American baby names for several decades.