Maria

Maria is a traditionally feminine name with roots in Latin languages (Spanish, Italian) as well as German. It also appears in Scandinavian languages; although Maria is not originally Norse, the name appears in several sagas and is the name of King Harald Sigurdsson's daughter.

The most common meanings of the name Maria include "bitter," "rebellion," and "wished-for child." Variants include Marie, Mary, Miri, Maryam, Miriam, Mimi, Mariah, Mariana, Merry, Maliyah, Malia, Amara, Molly, and Meryl. If you like Maria you may also love classics such as Anne, Anna, Angelina, Rosa, Caterina, Alexandra, and Helen. Or stick with "rebellious" girl names such as Bridget, Arya, Eleanor, Hermione, Harriet, Josephine, Ruth, Joan, Amelia, or just plain Rebel.

In Shakespeare's 'Love's Labours Lost,' Maria is a lady attending the Princess of France. In 'Twelfth Night' (also called 'What You Will'), Maria is Olivia's waiting woman.

Famous real-life Marias include quite a lot of royalty: Maria Theresa of Austria, Mary of Burgundy, Maria Carolina of Austria, and Maria Feodorovna (Dagmar of Denmark). There's also famous scientist Marie Curie, athlete Maria Sharapova, singer Maria Callas, educator Maria Montessori, and actor Maria "Meryl" Streep.

Maria in quotes:

"The greatest sign of success for a teacher...is to be able to say, ’The children are now working as if I did not exist.’" — Maria Montessori

"You are born an artist or you are not. And you stay an artist, dear, even if your voice is less of a fireworks. The artist is always there." — Maria Callas