WorldNameData

Mary

Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings

Origin:Italian
How to pronounce the name Mary
Pronunciation guide for Mary
ARPA
M EH1 R IY0
IPA
ˈmɛri

Pronunciation Breakdown

Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Mary

Syllables (2)

M EH1 R IY0

Bold syllables indicate primary stress

Sound Breakdown

M
me (m)
EH1
Ed (ɛ)
R
read (r)
IY0
eat (i)

International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

ˈmɛri

Standard international representation

Pronunciation Tips

• Mary has 2 syllables. Take your time with each part.

• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.

Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Mary

Structure

Character Count
4
Syllable Count
2
Vowel Ratio
25%
Name Family
mary

Usability

Pronunciation Difficulty2/10

Easy to pronounce

International Friendliness10/10

Works well across languages

DNA profile of the name Mary
Unique character and personality of the name Mary

Name Personality

The Classic
Classic
Timeless
Strong

Key Characteristics

Length
Short

Concise and memorable

Rhythm
Flowing

Balanced rhythm

Sound
Strong

Consonant-rich and crisp

Ease
Simple

Easy for most speakers

Global
Universal

Works across cultures

Heritage
mary

Part of this name family

Letter Frequency

m×1
a×1
r×1

Most frequent letters in Mary

Visual Pattern

Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants

Name Statistics

📊
Syllables
2 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Very Easy
2/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison

How does Mary compare to the average name?

Mary2/10 😊
2.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0

Mary is easier than average by 3.0 points.

Difficulty Scale:

Very Easy (0–2)← Mary
Easy (2–4)
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Name Family

Names related to Mary (root: mary)

Current Name

Mary

Related Names (9)

Short variations:

Mary-

Medium variations:

Mary-ann

Long variations:

Mary-anne
Mary-beth
Mary-elizabeth
Mary-ellen
Mary-grace
Mary-jane
Mary-jayne

Mary belongs to a family of 10 related names.

What does the name Mary mean?
The meaning and origin of Mary
English

1. the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Mary's meanings

Primary Theme

💎
Virtuous

Embodies moral qualities and virtues

Theme Distribution

Virtuous
1

Key Themes

honored
{blessed
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Mary

Life Path Number

3
The Creative

Creative spirits who bring joy and inspiration through self-expression.

Expressive
Social
Artistic
Joyful

Most Common Letters

m×1
a×1
r×1
y×1

Sound Composition

Vowels
1(25%)
Consonants
3(75%)

Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong

Numerology Breakdown

m4
a1
r9
y7

Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.

Notable People Named Mary
Famous individuals named Mary
👤

Mary Antoinette Brown-Sherman

Liberian university teacher and writer (1926-2004)

Born: 1926

👤

Mary of Lusignan, Queen of Naples

Queen of Naples

Born: 1382

👤

Jenny Shipley

New Zealand politician

Born: 1952

👤

Mary Jo Nye

American academic

Born: 1944

👤

Mary Scotvold

figure skater

Born: 2000

👤

Mary de Bohun

wife of King Henry IV of England

Born: 1369

How popular is the name Mary?
Popularity rankings for Mary around the world
CountryGenderRankYears
Australiagirl#992008-2008
Canadagirl#1022007-2007
Franceboy#4071950-1950
Francegirl#4852004-2004
Irelandgirl#932019-2019
Norwaygirl#981961-1961
United Kingdomgirl#2592018-2018
United Statesboy#9331972-1972
United Statesgirl#1262018-2018
Country Comparison
How Mary ranks across different countries

Showing top 9 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)

What names are similar to Mary?
Names similar to Mary
MaryMary-Mary-annMary-anneMary-bethMary-elizabethMary-ellenMary-graceMary-janeMary-jayne
What words rhyme with the name Mary?
Rhyming words for Mary
aerie
airey
airy
alarie
ameri
arie
ary
azeri
balistreri
barberi
barey
barillari
barre
barrie
barry
berrey
berri
berrie
berry
bollettieri

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce Mary?
IPA: /ˈmɛri/ ARPA: M EH1 R IY0 This name is very easy to pronounce.
How many syllables are in Mary?
Mary has 2 syllables.
Is Mary easy to pronounce?
Yes, Mary is very easy to pronounce. It has simple, common sounds that most people can say without difficulty.
Is Mary easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Mary is extremely international-friendly (10/10). 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 Mary?
There are 100 notable people named Mary. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to Mary?
Names similar to Mary include: Mary-, Mary-ann, Mary-anne, Mary-beth, Mary-elizabeth. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Mary a good baby name?
Mary makes an excellent baby name! It's easy to pronounce and internationally friendly, making it a great choice for parents looking for these qualities in a name.
Is Mary a boy or girl name?
Mary 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 Mary?
The name is spelled M-a-r-y. Common spelling variations include: Mary-, Mary-ann, Mary-anne.
What does the name Mary mean?
The name Mary means "Mary n 1: the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics [syn: {Mary}, {Virgin Mary}, {The Virgin}, {Blessed Virgin}, {Madonna}]." 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 Mary?
Middle names that pair well with Mary include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. 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 Mary?
Sibling names that pair well with Mary include: Mary-, Mary-ann, Mary-anne, Mary-beth. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Mary?
Yes, Mary is very straightforward to pronounce. Teachers and other adults will have no difficulty with this name. It uses common sound patterns that are familiar to most English speakers.
What culture is the name Mary from?
Mary 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 Mary suitable for a professional career?
Mary is well-suited for professional contexts. It's easy to pronounce in professional settings and internationally friendly for global careers. 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 Mary a long or short name?
Mary is a short name with 4 letters (2 syllables). Short names are practical and easy to use in everyday contexts. They rarely need nicknames.
What are common misspellings of Mary?
Common spelling variations of Mary include: Mary-. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Mary and Mary-?
Mary and Mary- are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Mary is spelled Mary while Mary- is spelled Mary-. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.