US Popularity Rank: 5917

Origin: Bulgarian

Meaning: Bitter; Beloved; Rebellious

An intriguing variation of Maria, Mariya is a feminine Ukrainian name with myriad interpretations. Closely related to Miriam, Mariya may stem from the Hebrew root mr, meaning "bitter," or from mry, meaning "rebellious." Those searching for a sweeter air for little Mariya can find solace in the Egyptian root mr, which means "beloved." No matter which meaning best calls to you, Mariya is a name that embraces all inclinations, even those that err on the wild side.