A 1950s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Mari since 1897
Babies named Mari per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 95 |
| 1920s | 220 |
| 1930s | 327 |
| 1940s | 1,014 |
| 1950s | 3,175 |
| 1960s | 2,990 |
| 1970s | 1,732 |
| 1980s | 1,817 |
| 1990s | 1,759 |
| 2000s | 1,506 |
| 2010s | 1,123 |
| 2020s | 811 |
Meaning & origin
Mari is a concise, internationally versatile name with roots in both Hebrew and Japanese. In the United States, it has been in steady use since at least 1897, reaching its peak rank of 1,611 in 2025 after a period of decline and recent revival. Approximately 1 in 12,459 baby girls is named Mari today, reflecting its modest but persistent appeal. The name saw its highest usage in the 1950s, and since 2015 its trajectory has been rising, once again catching the attention of parents in states like Minnesota, Washington, and California. Mari's simplicity belies a rich multicultural heritage, making it a subtle choice that works well across diverse communities.
Mari has multiple origins. As a Hebrew-derived name, it is a variant of Mary (from Miriam, of debated meaning, possibly 'beloved' or 'rebellious'). In Japanese, Mari can be written with various kanji such as 真理 (truth) or 鞠 (ball). In modern English use, Mari is often a short form or spelling variant of Marion, Maria, or Mary. It gained modest popularity in the United States beginning in the late 19th century, with a peak in the 1950s, and has seen a revival in recent years.
Where Mari is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Mari” around the world
Where Mari lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Mari
Names that share Mari's style, for a brother or sister.
