MallowbyNames

Mare

MAIR · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Mary or a diminutive of names like Marlene.

Peak popularity
1969
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Mare since 1947

Babies named Mare per year in U.S. Social Security records.

714211960198020002020Most births 1969Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1940s10
1950s72
1960s96
1970s86
1980s67
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Mare is a name with a somewhat mysterious past, appearing sporadically in U.S. records since 1947. It reached a notable peak in 1969, though it has never cracked the top 1000 and has remained a rarity. The name's trajectory has been essentially flat for decades, suggesting it persists as a quiet choice rather than a rising trend. While its origins are debated, Mare's simple, airy sound gives it a distinct quality. Parents drawn to short, vowel-heavy names may find it an unusual alternative to Mae or Mary. Without any dominant top states or famous bearers, Mare remains a blank slate, free for a child to define.

Mare is likely a short form or variant of names such as Mary or Marlene, though its exact derivation is unclear. It has seen sporadic use as an independent given name, particularly in the mid-20th century, with a peak in 1969.

Sibling names for Mare

Names that share Mare's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Molly, Claire, Ruth, Pearl, Iris, Onda

Brothers: Lee, Dean, John, Scott, Paul

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Mare, our favorite little girl.

M is for Mare…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Mare's letter becomes Mare's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Mare's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Mare mean?
The meaning of Mare is uncertain. It may be a variant of Mary or a diminutive of names like Marlene, but no definitive origin is agreed upon.
How popular is the name Mare?
Mare was most popular in 1969, but overall it has been very rare. In 2023, it did not rank in the top 1000 names for any gender.
Is Mare a boy or girl name?
Mare is predominantly used as a girl's name, though it is extremely uncommon.