The girl's name Mary \m(a)-ry\ is pronounced MARE-ee. It is of Latin origin, and its meaning is "star of the sea". Saint Jerome associated the Virgin's name with the Latin phrase "stella maris". Other possible meanings are (Hebrew) "wished-for child; rebellion; sea of bitterness". Variant of Miriam. Biblical: the virgin mother of Christ. Mary became the object of great veneration in the Catholic Church. Through the centuries, names like Dolores and Mercedes have been created to express aspects of Mary's life and worship. Mary is also used in blends and compound names. See also Maira, Mari, Maribel, Marigold, Marisa, Marissa, and Mia. Actresses Mary Pickford, Mary Martin, Mary Stuart Masterson; Queen Mary of Scots; artist Mary Cassatt; writer Mary Shelley; political strategist Mary Matalin; pop singer Mary J. Blige.

ORIGIN
Hebrew

MEANING
Sea of sorrow

Perhaps the most widely-used female name in history ranking No. 1 prior to the turn of the 20th century until the beginning of the 1960s. A Christian name best-known for the virgin mother of Jesus, his faithful follower Mary Magdalene, along with several saints. Also considered a royal name used by two queens of England and one queen of Scotland. Occasionally combined with other names popularized by actress Mary-Kate Olsen.

VARIATIONS
Marcus Marvin Marty

ALTERNATIVES
Merry Mari

NICKNAMES
Mare Mamie

FAMOUS Marys
Mary Shelley (author) Mary Pierce (tennis player) Mary Matalin (political strategist) Mary Chapin Carpenter (singer/songwriter) Mary J. Blige (singer/songwriter) Mary Martin (actress) Mary Pickford (actress)

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