Maria Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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Maria

[məˈriːə ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

name

A female given name. Originates from the Hebrew name Miryam, which means 'sea of bitterness' or 'sea of sorrow'. Commonly used in Spanish and Italian-speaking countries.

Synonyms

Marie, Mary, Miriam.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
Maria	Also used in formal references or official documents. Ms. Maria Rodriguez will be your new supervisor. Please submit your application to Maria Santos.
Mary	Widely used in English-speaking countries and often associated with a more traditional or classic name choice. Mary enjoyed reading books in the library. Can Mary come to the party tonight?
Marie	Commonly used in French-speaking countries or for people of French descent. Marie loves French cuisine. Marie is traveling to Paris next week.
Miriam	Often used in Jewish communities and has Biblical associations. Miriam takes her faith very seriously. Miriam is studying Hebrew culture.

Examples of usage

Maria is a popular name in many countries around the world.
I have a friend named Maria.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The name 'Maria' has roots in the Hebrew name 'Miriam,' which means 'beloved' or 'sea of bitterness.'
It became popular in Christian traditions due to its association with the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus.
In various cultures, 'Maria' is sometimes combined with other names, like 'Maria Clara' or 'Maria Teresa.'

Cultural Significance

In Italian opera, 'Maria' features prominently in classical compositions, most famously in 'West Side Story' with the song 'Maria.'
A prominent figure named Maria is Maria Montessori, the educational reformer who created the Montessori method for teaching children.
In Latin America, 'Maria' is often used in songs and folk tales, making it a symbol of cultural identity.

Famous People

Many famous women bear the name, such as actress Maria Sharapova and singer Maria Carey, who have contributed to its popularity.
Historical figures like Maria Antonietta (Marie Antoinette) have impacted cultural perceptions surrounding the name.
Maria Curie, the renowned scientist, showcases the name’s association with intelligence and pioneering achievements.

Literature

The name 'Maria' features in numerous poems and novels, symbolizing love, beauty, and hardship, like in the works of authors from Shakespeare to García Márquez.
In children’s literature, many characters named Maria symbolize friendship and courage, capturing young readers' imaginations.

Psychology

Studies show that names can influence personality traits, with ‘Maria’ often associated with warm, nurturing qualities.
The name's popularity may impact social perceptions, leading to assumptions about kindness and trustworthiness.

Origin of 'Maria'

The name Maria has a long history dating back to biblical times. It is derived from the Hebrew name Miryam, which was borne by the sister of Moses in the Old Testament. The name spread throughout Europe and Latin America, becoming one of the most widely used names in the world. Over time, variations of the name such as Mary, Marie, and Miriam have also become popular.