Holding steady, #7,491 for girls today.
Popularity of Marit since 1947
Babies named Marit per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 12 |
| 1950s | 25 |
| 1960s | 101 |
| 1970s | 102 |
| 1980s | 120 |
| 1990s | 110 |
| 2000s | 111 |
| 2010s | 151 |
| 2020s | 68 |
Meaning & origin
Marit is a Scandinavian diminutive of Maria that emerged as an independent name in Norway and Sweden. Its earliest recorded use in U.S. Social Security data dates to 1947, and the name has maintained a low but steady presence ever since. In 2025, Marit ranked 7,491 nationally and occurred at a rate of 1 per 114,805 births, a slight decline from its peak year of 2017. The name's usage trajectory has been relatively stable, reflecting its niche appeal. Its strongest geographic association is with Minnesota, consistent with Scandinavian heritage in the Upper Midwest. Marit offers a distinctive alternative to more common Maria variants, carrying a straightforward pronunciation and a strong cultural tie to Nordic naming traditions.
Marit is a Scandinavian diminutive of Maria, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Miryam. The meaning of Miryam is debated, with possible translations including 'sea of bitterness,' 'rebellion,' or 'wished-for child.' In the Scandinavian tradition, Marit became an independent given name, particularly common in Norway and Sweden. It has also been associated with the Latin 'mare' meaning 'sea' and the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.'
Where Marit is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Marita, Rita, Mari
Sibling names for Marit
Names that share Marit's style, for a brother or sister.
