Marianna is a feminine given name of Italian origin, derived from the Latin "Maria," which means "sea of bitter." The name has been popular in Italy for centuries and has since spread to other countries with significant Italian populations.
The name Marianna was first used by the Romans to denote someone who was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Over time, it evolved into a separate name in its own right, although it remains closely associated with the Virgin Mary.
In literature, one of the most notable figures named Marianna is the protagonist of "La Certosa di Parma" ("The Charterhouse of Parma"), an 1839 novel by French author Stendhal. This has contributed to the name's enduring popularity in France and other European countries.
Today, Marianna continues to be a popular given name for girls in many parts of the world, particularly among families with Italian heritage or those who appreciate classic, timeless names. Despite its origins, the meaning of "sea of bitter" is often overlooked, as most people associate the name more with its connection to the Virgin Mary and its pleasant sound.
In summary, Marianna is a feminine given name of Italian origin that has been popular for centuries. Derived from the Latin "Maria," it means "sea of bitter," although this meaning is not typically associated with the name today. The name has a rich history in literature and remains popular among families who appreciate classic names.
The name Marianna has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. In the late 19th century, it was quite uncommon, with fewer than ten births per year between 1883 and 1899.
However, in the early 20th century, its popularity started to increase. Between 1900 and 1914, there were around 6 to 18 Marianna births per year. This trend continued throughout the 1920s and 1930s, with a peak of 147 births in 1924.
After World War II, the popularity of the name Marianna started to decline. Between 1945 and 1969, there were fewer than 100 Marianna births per year. This continued into the 1970s, with a low of just 54 births in 1974.
However, from the early 1980s onwards, there has been a consistent increase in the number of Marianna births each year. In 1990, there were 149 Marianna births, and this figure continued to rise throughout the decade. Between 2000 and 2023, there have been between 265 and 374 Marianna births per year.
In summary, while Marianna was not a particularly popular name in the late 19th century, it has seen several periods of increased popularity throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Despite fluctuations, its popularity has been consistently high since the early 1980s.