Mari
The Meaning & Origin of the Name Mari
Mari, which has 4 letters and 2 syllables, is a female name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning of Mari
Wished-for child
Mari is a unisex name of Japanese origin, derived from the older name “Maria”. It is most often understood to mean “truth”, “beloved”, or “graceful”.
| Meaning | Wished-for child |
| Origin | Hebrew |
| Gender | Girl |
| Popularity (US) | #998 in 1995 Declining Fast |
| Rarity (US) | Rare (Top 1000) |
| Era | Classic 50s name |
Background & History of The Name Mari
The name 'Mari' is a name with various origins and meanings. In Japanese, 'Mari' is a feminine given name that can be written using different kanji characters, each having a distinct meaning. One possible kanji combination is 愛理, which translates to "love" and "reason," implying someone who possesses a loving and rational nature. Another combination, 真理, means "truth" and "reason," suggesting a person who values honesty and logical thinking. In Finnish, 'Mari' is a shortened form of 'Maria,' which is a variant of the biblical name 'Mary.' This Finnish version has deep religious and historical roots, and 'Mari' is commonly used as a nickname for those named Maria. In Basque, 'Mari' refers to a deity in their mythology, commonly known as 'Mari,' 'Anbotoko Mari,' or 'Anbotoko Damiana.' She is considered the Mother Goddess and has significant religious significance in Basque culture. In addition, 'Mari' can also be a short form of various other names, such as Mariana, Marisol, and Marianne among others, used in different countries and languages around the world. Overall, the name 'Mari' is rich in cultural diversity, carrying meanings of love, truth, religion, and varied associations depending on its origin and context.
Popularity Over Time
US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Mari over the years.
Similar Hebrew Baby Names
Check Initials
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Nicknames
Common nicknames and short forms for Mari.
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