US Popularity Rank: 324

Origin: Latin

Meaning: Star of the sea; Bitterness; Beloved; Wished for a child

The quintessential girl's name, Mary, is of Latin and Greek origins and means "drop of the sea," "bitterness," "beloved," and "wished for a child." The old-world name is the anglicized version of Maria, originating from the Hebrew Miriam or Mariam. Typically a winner for parents who wished to pay tribute to their faith or ancestry, Mary remains a classic but now possibly sporting a retro revival. Mary's variants include equally cute Mae, Marie, Maria, and Mitzi, keeping her fresh and relevant while retaining its timeless appeal. A perennial favorite in the Bible, Mary was popular among Christian homes in the early 20th century, reflecting all the virtue that the name represented. Mary isn't shy of the spotlight either, with respected icons sharing the title over the years. Think Mary Poppins and Mary Berry, and let's not forget the beloved Meryl Streep, who was given the name at birth.