Mary

The word “Mary” means a female given name of Hebrew or Aramaic origin. In plain terms, a very common female first name, historically tied to the mother of Jesus in Christian and Islamic tradition.

“Mary” is pronounced MEH-uh-ree (/ˈmɛə.ɹi/ in IPA).

Here is “Mary” used in a sentence: “Her grandmother was also named Mary.”

“Mary” is a name.

The word “Mary” comes from Latin. Traced back through Old French and Latin to Aramaic and Hebrew Miryam, a name of uncertain original meaning; a doublet of Miriam and Maria.

“Mary” is a very common word in modern English.

“Mary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a female given name of Hebrew or Aramaic origin.

They are all versions of the same name. Miriam is the original Hebrew form, familiar from the Bible. Maria is the Latin and Greek form, common across Europe and Latin America. Mary is the English form. So the three are less like different names and more like the same name in different languages.

Scholars are not certain, and several meanings have been suggested for its Hebrew root, including 'bitter,' 'beloved,' and 'wished-for child.' Because the exact origin is debated, no single translation is universally accepted. What is clear is that the name is ancient and has remained one of the most enduring female names in the West.

Mary has several traditional short forms and pet names. 'Molly' and 'Polly' are old diminutives that have long been used in their own right. 'May' and 'Mamie' have also served as affectionate forms. In addition, Mary is frequently paired with a second name, as in Mary Jane or Mary Anne.