Mary

Meaning: Bitter; or possibly rebellion/disobedience
Origin: English (from Hebrew) — Variant of Miriam · Hebrew roots; debated

Nicknames: Molly, Minnie, Mae, Polly, Mamie

Girl's name · #125 in the US (2025) · Vintage

Popularity over time

Mary was #1 back in 1880, spent 76 years as America's #1 name, and stands at #125 today. About 4.1 million girls have carried it since 1880.

Across the states

In recent years, Mary ran 5–6× its national rate in Mississippi and Alabama—ranked #6 in Mississippi and Alabama in 2025.

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 49 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Around the world

See how Mary ranks in other countries and regions.

#113 in Ireland (2025) · #159 in New Zealand (2025) · #173 in N. Ireland (2025) · #266 in Scotland (2025) · #332 in England & Wales (2025) · #507 in Ecuador (2025) · #519 in Norway (2025) · #699 in Sweden (2025) · #1,420 in France (2025) · #1,425 in Belgium (2025) · #1,669 in Austria (2025) · #2,319 in Switzerland (2025) and 1 more.

Famous Marys

Mary — Mother of Jesus Christ
Mary Shelley — English writer (1797–1851)
Mary Wollstonecraft — English writer and intellectual (1759–1797)
Mary Magdalene — Caregiver
Mary I — Queen of England and Ireland from 1553 to 1558

In stories & tradition

Mary Jane Watson — Spider-Man (video game)
Mary of Bethany — Gospel of Luke (Bible)
Mary of Clopas — One of the women present at the crucifixion of Jesus

What Marys become

Among 7,719 notable people named Mary:

Artists & writers appear 1.72× more often than among typical names — e.g. Mary Shelley, English writer (1797–1851).

Spellings & nicknames

About 1,500 girls a year are given Molly as their full name, 600 Mae, 73 Polly, and 57 Minnie.

Similar names: Mariah · Anna · Martha · Amari · Sara · Ariyah

Browse more girl names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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