MallowbyNames

Maritza

mah-REE-tsah · A Spanish and Portuguese diminutive of María, meaning 'sea of bitterness' or 'beloved'; also possibly a combination of María and Luisa.

2025 rank (girls)
#2,822
Babies named in 2025
60
Peak popularity
2005
2025 frequency
1 in 26,788 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2005

Declining since 2005, #2,822 for girls today.

Popularity of Maritza since 1945

Babies named Maritza per year in U.S. Social Security records.

2605207801960198020002020Most births 2005Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1940s23
1950s896
1960s2,421
1970s2,887
1980s3,411
1990s5,230
2000s5,634
2010s2,121
2020s530

Meaning & origin

Maritza is a Spanish and Portuguese diminutive that emerged as a given name in its own right, first recorded in the United States in 1945. The name reached its peak popularity in 2005, ranking 2,822 in 2025 with approximately 1 in 26,788 newborn girls receiving it. Its trajectory has been falling since 2005. The name is most common in California and Texas, reflecting its strong Hispanic heritage. Maritza offers a distinctive yet familiar option within the family of María-derived names, balancing cultural resonance with a melodic sound.

Maritza is primarily a Spanish and Portuguese diminutive of María, derived from the Hebrew name Miryam. It may also be a blend of María and Luisa. The name gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly among Hispanic communities, and saw a peak in the 1970s and 1980s.

Where Maritza 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.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Mari, Marita

Variants: Maritsa

Sibling names for Maritza

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

Names like Maritza

Names whose popularity has moved with Maritza's over the last 50 years.

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

M is for Maritza, our favorite little girl.

M is for Maritza…”

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

Make Maritza's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Maritza mean?
Maritza is a Spanish and Portuguese diminutive of María, which means 'sea of bitterness' or 'beloved'. It may also be a combination of María and Luisa.
How popular is the name Maritza?
As of 2025, Maritza ranks 2,822 in the U.S., with about 1 in every 26,788 newborn girls given the name. Its peak popularity was in 2005.
Is Maritza a boy or girl name?
Maritza is almost exclusively used as a feminine name.