Declining since 2019, #3,249 for girls today.
Popularity of Maris since 1912
Babies named Maris per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 30 | 5 |
| 1920s | 32 | 36 |
| 1930s | 150 | 12 |
| 1940s | 259 | 0 |
| 1950s | 160 | 37 |
| 1960s | 112 | 91 |
| 1970s | 99 | 11 |
| 1980s | 184 | 7 |
| 1990s | 357 | 16 |
| 2000s | 472 | 0 |
| 2010s | 525 | 6 |
| 2020s | 291 | 11 |
Meaning & origin
Maris is a name of Latin origin meaning 'of the sea', evoking a calm, oceanic feel. In recent decades, its use has been modest but steady; after a peak in 2020, it has been gradually falling in popularity. The name is most common in Texas, where it saw its highest frequency. While never breaking into the top 1,000, Maris maintains a quiet presence, appealing to parents seeking a short, nature-inspired name with cross-cultural resonance. Its similarity to Marissa and Marys gives it flexible styling, and its simplicity makes it easy to pair with longer middle names. Despite its low rank, the name's lyrical quality and maritime connection keep it in modest but enduring use.
Maris is derived from the Latin word 'mare', meaning 'sea'. It is a feminine name that has been used in various cultures, particularly in Scandinavia and the Baltic region, where it is often considered a variant of Maria or a short form of names like Marissa. In Estonian, Maris is a common given name, and it also appears in Dutch and German contexts. The name gained some visibility in English-speaking countries in the 20th century.
Where Maris is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mari, Ris, Mar
Sibling names for Maris
Names that share Maris's style, for a brother or sister.
