Mary
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for Mary, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Name — A female given name of Hebrew or Aramaic origin.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
Traced back through Old French and Latin to Aramaic and Hebrew Miryam, a name of uncertain original meaning; a doublet of Miriam and Maria.
Full origin of Mary →Frequently asked questions
What does “Mary” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “Mary”?
“Mary” is pronounced MEH-uh-ree (/ˈmɛə.ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “Mary” in a sentence?
Here is “Mary” used in a sentence: “Her grandmother was also named Mary.”
What part of speech is “Mary”?
“Mary” is a name.
Where does the word “Mary” come from?
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.
Is “Mary” a common word?
“Mary” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Mary” have?
“Mary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a female given name of Hebrew or Aramaic origin.
What is the difference between Mary, Maria, and Miriam?
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.
What does the name Mary mean?
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.
What are common nicknames for Mary?
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.