MallowbyNames

Marijke

mah-RYE-kuh · Of debated origin; possibly a Dutch form of Maria, meaning 'beloved' or 'sea of bitterness'.

Peak popularity
1997
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Marijke since 1963

Babies named Marijke per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1990, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Marijke's real moment was 1997.

358198020002020Most births 1990Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1960s10
1970s11
1980s29
1990s37
2000s14
2010s11
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Marijke is a Dutch feminine name that has never broken into the U.S. top 1000 rankings. Its first recorded year in Social Security data is 1963, and its peak year of usage was 1997. The name has maintained a relatively stable trajectory, suggesting consistent but niche interest. While no specific states show notable concentration, Marijke likely appears more frequently in areas with Dutch American communities. The name's literary associations may include its use in fiction, but such references remain minor. Overall, Marijke appeals to parents seeking a distinctive, authentically Dutch name with a soft sound.

Marijke is a Dutch feminine diminutive of Maria, traditionally considered a variation through Maatje or Marike. The name Maria itself has Hebrew origins (Maryam), though its exact meaning is debated. Marijke has been used in the Netherlands since at least the early 20th century, and saw some popularity in the United States beginning in the 1960s, reflecting Dutch immigration and cultural influence.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Rijka, Maaike

Variants: Marieke, Maaike, Marike

Sibling names for Marijke

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

Sisters: Anouk, Lieke, Fenna, Elise, Noor

Brothers: Daan, Joris, Thijs, Hugo, Bram, Kristien

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

M is for Marijke, our favorite little girl.

M is for Marijke…”

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

Make Marijke's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Marijke mean?
Marijke is a Dutch diminutive of Maria, whose meaning is debated. Maria is often linked to the Hebrew name Maryam, possibly meaning 'beloved' or 'sea of bitterness.'
Is Marijke a popular name in the United States?
Marijke has never ranked in the top 1000 baby names in the U.S. In the Social Security data, its peak year was 1997, but it has never recorded high enough usage to achieve a rank.
Is Marijke a boy or girl name?
Marijke is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.