Maria
Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings
How to pronounce the name Maria
Pronunciation guide for Maria
ARPA
M ER0 IY1 AH0
IPA
mərˈiə
Pronunciation Breakdown
Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Maria
Syllables (3)
M ER0
IY1
AH0
Bold syllables indicate primary stress
Sound Breakdown
M
me (m)ER0
hurt (ɝ)IY1
eat (i)AH0
hut (ʌ)International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
mərˈiə
Standard international representation
Pronunciation Tips
• Maria has 3 syllables. Take your time with each part.
• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.
Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Maria
Structure
Character Count
5
Syllable Count
3
Vowel Ratio
60%
Name Family
maria
Usability
Pronunciation Difficulty5/10
Moderate difficulty
International Friendliness9/10
Works well across languages
DNA profile of the name Maria
Unique character and personality of the name Maria
Name Personality
The Global
Global
Adaptable
Modern
Key Characteristics
Length
Medium
Balanced and versatile
Rhythm
Melodic
Rich and expressive
Sound
Open
Vowel-rich and flowing
Ease
Moderate
May require practice
Global
Universal
Works across cultures
Heritage
maria
Part of this name family
Letter Frequency
a×2
m×1
r×1
Most frequent letters in Maria
Visual Pattern
Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants
Name Statistics
📊
Syllables
3 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Moderate
5/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
9/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison
How does Maria compare to the average name?
Maria5/10 😐
5.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0
Maria is average difficulty.
Difficulty Scale:
Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)
Moderate (4–6)← Maria
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨👩👧👦Name Family
Names related to Maria (root: maria)
Current Name
Maria
Related Names (9)
Short variations:
Mari
Medium variations:
Mari-ann
Long variations:
Mari-anne
Maria-claire
Maria-jane
Maria-kerry
Maria-leigh
Maria-louise
Maria-roldan
Maria belongs to a family of 10 related names.
What does the name Maria mean?
The meaning and origin of Maria
English
noun 1. a dark region of considerable extent on the surface of the moon
English
noun 2. valuable timber tree of Panama
Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Maria's meanings
Primary Theme
📖
Descriptive
Based on origin, place, or historical context
Theme Distribution
Natural
1
Descriptive
1
Key Themes
moon
tree
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Maria
Life Path Number
6
The Nurturer
Compassionate souls who find fulfillment in caring for others and creating harmony.
Caring
Responsible
Protective
Harmonious
Most Common Letters
a×2
m×1
r×1
i×1
Sound Composition
Vowels
3(60%)
Consonants
2(40%)
Vowel-heavy names tend to sound more open and flowing
Numerology Breakdown
m4
a1
r9
i9
a1
Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.
Notable People Named Maria
Famous individuals named Maria
👤
Andrea Jürgens
German singer (1967–2017)
Born: 1967
👤
Maria Janitschek
German writer (1859–1927)
Born: 1859
👤
Ilse Maria Aschner
Austrian journalist and survivor of the Holocaust (1918–2012)
Born: 1918
👤
Monika Brodka
Polish singer
Born: 1987
👤
Maria Emo
Austrian actress
Born: 1936
👤
Miles Franklin
Australian writer and feminist (1879–1954)
Born: 1879
How popular is the name Maria?
Popularity rankings for Maria around the world
| Country | Gender | Rank | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | girl | #95 | 1985-1985 |
| Austria | girl | #39 | 2018-2018 |
| Belgium | girl | #55 | 2018-2018 |
| Canada | girl | #95 | 2018-2018 |
| Croatia | girl | #87 | 2009-2009 |
| Czechia | girl | #93 | 1953-1953 |
| Denmark | girl | #48 | 2009-2009 |
| France | boy | #482 | 1902-1902 |
| France | girl | #83 | 2018-2018 |
| Germany | girl | #18 | 1986-1986 |
| Ireland | girl | #64 | 2019-2019 |
| Italy | girl | #35 | 2018-2018 |
| Netherlands | girl | #53 | 2019-2019 |
| New Zealand | girl | #79 | 2016-2016 |
| Norway | girl | #31 | 2018-2018 |
| Poland | girl | #8 | 2019-2019 |
| Portugal | girl | #1 | 2018-2018 |
| Romania | girl | #1 | 2009-2009 |
| Spain | girl | #4 | 2018-2018 |
| Sweden | girl | #53 | 2019-2019 |
| Switzerland | girl | #37 | 2018-2018 |
| United Kingdom | girl | #66 | 2018-2018 |
| United States | boy | #972 | 1989-1989 |
| United States | girl | #116 | 2018-2018 |
Maria Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for boys named Maria
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Maria Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for girls named Maria
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Country Comparison
How Maria ranks across different countries
Showing top 10 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)
What names are similar to Maria?
Names similar to Maria
What words rhyme with the name Maria?
Rhyming words for Maria
alethea
alislamiyya
aliyah
althea
alyea
amalea
anamaria
asea
badeah
belyea
bengoechea
berea
bramalea
bria
caesarea
cananea
cassiopeia
cea
chia
ciaccia
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Maria?
IPA: /mərˈiə/ ARPA: M ER0 IY1 AH0 This name has a moderate pronunciation difficulty.
How many syllables are in Maria?
Maria has 3 syllables.
Is Maria easy to pronounce?
Maria has moderate pronunciation difficulty. Some people may need to hear it a few times to get it right.
Is Maria easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Maria is extremely international-friendly (9/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
Who are some famous people named Maria?
There are 100 notable people named Maria. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to Maria?
Names similar to Maria include: Mari, Mari-ann, Mari-anne, Maria-claire, Maria-jane. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Maria a good baby name?
Maria is a good baby name, particularly if you value names that are internationally friendly.
Is Maria a boy or girl name?
Maria can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Maria?
The name is spelled M-a-r-i-a. Common spelling variations include: Mari, Mari-ann, Mari-anne.
What are common nicknames for Maria?
Common nicknames for Maria include: Mar, Mariy. Nicknames often develop naturally based on personal preference and family traditions.
What does the name Maria mean?
The name Maria has multiple meaningful interpretations. Primary meanings include "maria n 1: a dark region of considerable extent on the surface of the moon [syn: {mare}, {maria}] 2: valuable timber tree of Panama [syn: {Maria}, {Calophyllum longifolium}]" and "Maria /marija/ Mary". This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Maria?
Middle names that pair well with Maria include: James, Rose, Grace. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Maria?
Sibling names that pair well with Maria include: Mari, Mari-ann, Mari-anne, Maria-claire. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Maria?
Most teachers will be able to pronounce Maria correctly after hearing it once or twice. It's relatively phonetic and doesn't contain unusual sound combinations. You may need to provide pronunciation guidance at the start of each school year.
What culture is the name Maria from?
Maria has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
Is Maria suitable for a professional career?
Maria is well-suited for professional contexts. It's internationally friendly for global careers and appropriate length for business cards and email addresses. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is Maria a long or short name?
Maria is a short name with 5 letters (3 syllables). Short names are practical and easy to use in everyday contexts. They rarely need nicknames.
What are common misspellings of Maria?
Common spelling variations of Maria include: Mari. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Maria and Mari?
Maria and Mari are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Maria is spelled Maria while Mari is spelled Mari. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.