Mary — Usual English form of Maria, the Latin form of the New Testament Greek names Μαριαμ (Mariam) and Μαρια (Maria) - the spellings are interchangeable - which were from Hebrew מִרְיָם (Miryam), a name borne by the sister of Moses in the Old Testament. The meaning is not known for certain, but there are several theories including "sea of bitterness", "rebelliousness", and "wished for child".
From the Hebrew name Miryam. Its original meaning is debated, with “beloved,” “wished-for child,” and “bitter” the leading interpretations.
Biblical namesake: Mary is honored as the mother of Jesus and is a central figure in the New Testament, remembered for her faith and role in the story of Jesus' birth and life. (Matthew · Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2, John 19:25-27)
Saintly namesake: Mary of Egypt was a 5th-century hermit remembered for her dramatic conversion and life of penance in the desert. She is one of several saints named Mary. (April 1 · 5th century)
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