Choosing the right name for your child can be a daunting task, with so many options available. If you are drawn to the classic name Mary, but perhaps want something a little more unique or gender-neutral, then this article is for you. In this article, we will explore various names that share characteristics with the name Mary, including boy, girl, and unisex options, as well as explore the origins and meaning of the name Mary.
Boy Names Like Mary
While Mary is traditionally a girl’s name, there are certainly boy names that share similarities with the name. A popular option is the name Murray, which also has Scottish roots and means “settlement by the sea.” Another option is Mario, a name of Italian origin that means “manly” or “brave.” Similar to Murray, Marion is another Celtic name that can work well for boys.
Another name that shares similarities with Mary is Martin. This name has Latin roots and means “warrior” or “dedicated to Mars,” the Roman god of war. Martin has been a popular name for boys for centuries and has been used by many famous figures throughout history.
For parents looking for a more unique option, they may consider the name Marius. This name has Latin origins and means “male” or “virile.” It was a popular name in ancient Rome and has been used by several notable figures throughout history, including Roman generals and saints.
Girl Names Like Mary
For those looking for a name similar to Mary for a girl, there are plenty of options to consider. Maria is an obvious choice, as it is simply the Spanish and Italian version of the name Mary. Another good option is Maren, a Scandinavian name that means “star of the sea,” linking it beautifully to the meaning behind the name Mary. Mariana is another popular option, combining the classic name Mary with the trendy name Ana to create a unique and beautiful choice.
Another name to consider is Miriam, which has Hebrew origins and means “wished-for child.” It is a classic name that has been used for centuries and has a similar sound to Mary. Another option is Marielle, a French name that combines the name Mary with the suffix -elle, meaning “little” or “female.” This name has a beautiful and elegant sound to it, making it a great choice for parents looking for a unique name with a classic feel.
It’s important to note that there are many variations of the name Mary itself, such as Marie, Maria, and Maryam. These variations can provide a unique twist on the classic name while still maintaining its traditional roots. Additionally, parents may want to consider using Mary as a middle name, allowing them to choose a more unique first name while still honoring the family tradition of using the name Mary.
Unisex Names Like Mary
If you are looking for a unisex name with similar qualities to Mary, there are plenty of options. Martin is a popular choice, meaning “warrior” or “of Mars,” making it a strong and masculine choice. Marin is another interesting option, as it is a gender-neutral variation of the more popular name Marina and shares the meaning of “of the sea.” Morgan, meaning “Circling Sea,” is another gender-neutral name that offers a unique spin on the classic name Mary.
Another unisex name that shares qualities with Mary is Avery. This name means “ruler of the elves” and has been gaining popularity in recent years. Another option is Jordan, which means “to flow down” and has been used as a unisex name for both boys and girls.
If you are looking for a more unique unisex name, consider the name Rowan. This name means “little red-haired one” and has been used for both boys and girls. Another option is Sage, which means “wise one” and can be a great choice for parents who value intelligence and wisdom.
Unique Names Like Mary
If you are looking for a name that is truly unique but shares qualities with the name Mary, there are plenty of options to consider. Some unique girl names to consider include Marais, meaning “marsh,” and Marilee, which blends the names Mary and Lee to create a beautiful and unique option. For boys, Marlo is a unique option, meaning “from the hill by the lake,” while Marius is a more uncommon variation of the name Mario.
Another unique name option for girls is Marigold, which is a flower name that symbolizes love and affection. For boys, Marcellus is a unique option that means “young warrior,” while Marston is a name that means “town by the marsh.” These names offer a unique twist on the classic name Mary, while still maintaining its qualities of strength and beauty.
Long Names Like Mary
For those drawn to longer names with similar qualities to Mary, there are several options to consider. Marianna is a long and elegant name, blending the classic name Mary with the popular name Anna. For boys, the name Mariusz is a Polish variation of the name Marius, that could work well for someone looking for a longer and less common option. Also, Marisela is a Spanish name perfect for a baby girl, meaning “a rose from the sea.
Another option for a longer name similar to Mary is Maribella, which is a combination of Mary and the Spanish word for beautiful. This name has a romantic and exotic feel to it, making it a great choice for parents looking for a unique name for their baby girl.
For parents who want a longer name with a more modern twist, Marilynn is a great option. This name is a combination of Mary and Lynn, and has a more contemporary sound to it. It’s a great choice for parents who want a name that is both classic and modern.
Short Names Like Mary
For those looking for a shorter name that shares similarities with the name Mary, there are plenty of options as well! Mae is a short and sweet name that has similar sounds to Mary, while the name Macy shares the same “m” beginning. For boys, the name Mark has been a classic choice for decades, with a similar sound to Mary but a more masculine feel.
Another option for a short name similar to Mary is the name Mia. It has the same “m” beginning and a similar sound to Mary, but with a more modern feel. Another popular choice is the name Max, which has a strong and masculine sound, but still shares the “m” beginning with Mary.
If you’re looking for a name that has a similar meaning to Mary, you might consider the name Miriam. It has Hebrew origins and means “wished-for child,” just like Mary. Another option is the name Maria, which is the Latin form of Mary and means “bitter” or “rebellious.” Both of these names offer a unique twist on the classic name Mary.
Mary in Other Languages
As mentioned before, Maria is the Spanish and Italian version of the name Mary. Other international variations of the name include Mairéad in Irish, Mariam in Arabic, and Marika in Hungarian. If you are of a particular heritage, choosing the international variation of Mary may be a great way to pay homage to your culture while still using a name that has personal meaning.
In addition to the variations mentioned above, there are many other versions of the name Mary in different languages. For example, in French, the name is Marie, in German it is Maria, and in Russian it is Mariya. Each of these variations has its own unique pronunciation and spelling, but they all share the same meaning and origin.
The name Mary has been popular for centuries and has been used by many famous figures throughout history. Some notable Marys include Mary, Queen of Scots, Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, and Mary J. Blige, the Grammy-winning singer. If you choose to name your child Mary or one of its variations, they will be in good company with these accomplished women who share the same name.
Where did the Name Mary Come From?
The name Mary is derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, which means “bitterness” or “rebelliousness.” Mary is a name rich in history and is most commonly associated with the mother of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith. It is a timeless and classic name that has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice for parents today.
Whichever variation of the name you choose, be it a gender-neutral name like Morgan or a unique name like Marais, you can be sure that it will carry with it the qualities of the classic and timeless name Mary.
The name Mary has been used in various cultures and religions throughout history. In Islam, Maryam is the Arabic name for Mary and is considered one of the most honored women in the religion. In Judaism, Miriam, the Hebrew name for Mary, is the sister of Moses and Aaron and is also a revered figure. The name Mary has also been used in literature, with famous characters such as Mary Poppins and Mary Lennox from The Secret Garden.
Interestingly, the name Mary was not always a popular choice for girls. In the early 20th century, it was overtaken by other names such as Dorothy and Betty. However, it regained its popularity in the 1940s and has remained a classic name ever since.