Surname Maria - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Maria: What does the surname Maria mean?
The surname Maria, like the given name, has a religious undertone. It derives from Latin and Hebrew origins, meaning "wished-for child," "bitter," or "rebellious" in Hebrew. However, as a surname, it predominantly signifies deep adherence to Christian faith. Many people with the surname Maria are named after the biblical "Mary," mother of Jesus Christ, showing devotion and respect towards her. It has been used in various forms by Christian families in many parts of the world, especially in countries where Christianity has a significant influence, among them Southern Europe, namely Italy, Portugal, and Spain. The surname also can be found in some Latin American and Middle Eastern countries where Christianity is practiced.
Order DNA origin analysisMaria: Where does the name Maria come from?
The surname Maria is of Latin origin, derived from "Māria", a name used for both males and females in Roman times. It has been absorbed into various cultures and languages over time.
It's notable that Maria is a common first name in many cultures, most prominently in countries with a Christian presence, thanks to its association with the Virgin Mary (Maria in Latin). As a last name, however, it's less common.
The surname Maria is quite prevalent in different parts of the world, especially in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. It can be found in India, too, primarily among Christian communities.
In recent times, it is increasingly prevalent in Brazil as a response to a cultural norm where children often adopt their mother's maiden name. In essence, the last name Maria is quite wide-ranging, with pockets of prevalence in various regions across the globe.
Variations of the surname Maria
The surname Maria can have several variations due to its widespread usage worldwide. These variations can be traced back to different languages, cultures, and countries with a frequent adaptation due to the pronunciation, dialect, and spelling preferences of specific regions. Variations of Maria include Marie, Mariah, Mario, and Maris.
On the other hand, Maria can also be a part of compound surnames. In Spanish-speaking countries, it's common to find surnames like Maria-Garcia, Maria-Lopez, Maria-Sanchez, etc. Similarly, in Portuguese tradition, it could appear as 'De Maria,' 'Maria dos Santos,' etc.
Moreover, regional adaptations can involve the addition or removal of certain letters or syllables, resulting in surnames such as Mari, Mariya, Mar, Marea, and others. Translation of the name Maria also results in correlating surnames such as Mary, Marie, Mariam, Miriam, and Marion in English-speaking countries.
The surname Maria and all its variants trace back to the same origin, which is a biblical name, bearing reverence to Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ's mother. From a cultural perspective, this name has been carried over generations worldwide, evolving to its current forms.
Famous people with the name Maria
- Maria Shriver: American journalist, author, and former First Lady of California.
- Maria Bello: American actress and writer.
- Maria Menounos: American actress, television host, professional wrestler, and entrepreneur.
- Maria Gabriela de Fátima Jardim Moreno de Capri: Brazilian actress, television presenter, and singer.
- Maria Sharapova: Russian professional tennis player and model.
- Maria Callas: Greek-American soprano, one of the most internationally renowned opera singers of the 20th century.
- Maria Hill: American actress best known for her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a former Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
- Maria Menounos: American journalist, actress, television presenter and former Miss Massachusetts USA, she is the current host of the television series Extra.
- Maria Montez: Dominican-born American actress best known for her appearances in Universal Studios' B-movies during the 1940s.
- Maria Bartiromo: American television journalist, magazine columnist, author, and a political commentator for Fox News Channel.