A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Marya since 1909
Babies named Marya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 44 |
| 1920s | 26 |
| 1930s | 47 |
| 1940s | 108 |
| 1950s | 179 |
| 1960s | 345 |
| 1970s | 388 |
| 1980s | 255 |
| 1990s | 273 |
| 2000s | 259 |
| 2010s | 198 |
| 2020s | 84 |
Meaning & origin
Marya is a name with diverse cultural roots, seen in Arabic, Hebrew, and Slavic contexts as a variant of Mary or Maria. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1909 and saw its highest usage in 1974, when it ranked 6,838th. After a period of decline, the name has been rising in popularity again since 2021, reflecting a revival interest in vintage and cross-cultural names. While its meaning remains debated, the name carries strong religious and cultural associations through its connection to Maryam/Mary. Though not among the top names in any state, Marya offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Maria or Mary.
Marya is a variant of Mary, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Miriam. The meaning is debated; it may mean 'beloved' or 'bitter' in Hebrew. In Slavic languages, it is often considered a form of Maria but also appears as a standalone name with the meaning 'wished-for child'. In Arabic, Maryam is the form used in the Quran. The name Marya has been used across cultures, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
“Marya” around the world
Where Marya lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
40
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Masha, Mary, Maya, Ria
Sibling names for Marya
Names that share Marya's style, for a brother or sister.
