Maris is a name of Latin origin, derived from the word "mare," which means "of the sea." It is often associated with the Virgin Mary, as in the title "Mare Nostrum" (Our Sea), used to refer to the Mediterranean Sea by the ancient Romans.
The name Maris has been used throughout history, particularly among Catholics, as a tribute to the Virgin Mary. It was also popular among early Christians who adopted names from the Bible and other religious sources.
In literature, Maris appears in several works, including "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, where it is the name of one of the characters. In music, there are artists named Maris, such as Irish singer-songwriter Marisazen, who gained popularity in the early 2000s.
Today, Maris remains a unique and distinctive name, often given to girls but also occasionally used for boys. It has been more commonly used in English-speaking countries like the United States, where it peaked at its highest popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The name Maris has been a steady presence in the United States over the past century, with a total of 232 babies born with this name since 1915.
The most popular years for the name Maris were during the early 60s, with a peak of 22 births in 1961. This was followed by another notable year in 1962, with 12 births. Interestingly, the name also experienced a recent resurgence in popularity, with 6 births recorded in both 1993 and 2019.
Despite these peaks, the name Maris has maintained consistent usage throughout the years, with at least 5 births annually from 1915 to present day (except for 1974-1980, where data is not available).
This steady presence over time suggests that Maris is a name that has been passed down through generations and continues to be a beloved choice among parents in the United States.