Declining since 2007, #10,107 for girls today.
Popularity of Mariska since 1971
Babies named Mariska per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 10 |
| 1980s | 34 |
| 1990s | 40 |
| 2000s | 474 |
| 2010s | 387 |
| 2020s | 74 |
Meaning & origin
Mariska first entered U.S. records in 1971 and reached its peak rank of 10,107 in 2007, when it was given to roughly 1 in 178,585 newborns. Since then, its usage has been falling, reflecting a gradual decline in Hungarian-origin names in the U.S. Despite its rarity, Mariska carries a distinctive sound familiar to American audiences through actress Mariska Hargitay, though its Hungarian roots give it a unique cultural resonance. The name's trajectory reflects a modest but enduring niche appeal, with New York accounting for a significant portion of its bearers due to regional Hungarian communities.
Mariska is a Hungarian diminutive form of Mária, the Hungarian variant of Mary. Mary ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Miryam, whose meaning is debated, though "bitter" and "rebellious" are traditional interpretations. In Hungary, -ka is a common diminutive suffix, giving Mariska an affectionate, familiar quality.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mari, Riska, Maris
Variants: Marishka, Maryska
Sibling names for Mariska
Names that share Mariska's style, for a brother or sister.
