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Name meaning & originMaría

/ma-REE-ah/

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María is a Spanish girl's name pronounced /ma-REE-ah/. María is a timeless name often interpreted as meaning 'of the sea' or 'beloved.'

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Meaning of María

María is a timeless name often interpreted as meaning 'of the sea' or 'beloved.'

It is the Spanish and Portuguese form of the Latin name Maria, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Miriam. While the exact etymology is debated, common theories link it to the Egyptian word 'mry' meaning beloved, or the Hebrew 'marah' meaning bitterness. Its widespread adoption is primarily due to its biblical association with the Virgin Mary.

Origin
Spanish
Pronunciation
/ma-REE-ah/

Cultural background

It is one of the most common female names in the Spanish-speaking world and is frequently used in compound names like María José or María Elena.

Variations & nicknames

  • Mari
  • Maruja
  • Mery
  • Mary
  • Mariana
  • Marita

Famous people named María

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • María Félix

    Iconic actress of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema

    Film · 1914–2002

  • María Izquierdo

    The first Mexican woman to have a solo exhibition in the United States

    Art · 1902–1955

  • María Callas

    Renowned Greek-American soprano (born Maria Anna Cecilia Sofia Kalogeropoulos)

    Music · 1923–1977

  • María Sharapova

    Former world No. 1 tennis player

    Sport · Modern

  • María Eva Duarte de Perón

    Beloved political leader and First Lady of Argentina

    Politics · 1919–1952

Frequently asked about María

Why does the name María have an accent mark?
In Spanish, the accent on the 'í' (tilde) indicates that the stress falls on the second syllable, separating the 'i' and 'a' into two distinct sounds rather than a diphthong.
Can María be a boy's name?
In some Catholic traditions, María is used as a middle name for males (e.g., José María) to honor the Virgin Mary.
What is the most common nickname for María?
Common nicknames include Mari, Marita, and in some regions, Mery or Maite.

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