MARIA
Maria
Description: Maria is a British surname of Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Polish origin. It is derived from the Latin female given name 'Maria', which means "sea of bitterness" or "majestic". The name Maria holds religious significance as it is the Latin form of the Hebrew name Miryam, the biblical mother of Jesus Christ.
History: The surname Maria likely originated as a personal name given to children in honour of the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition. It has been used by families of various European backgrounds, including Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Polish, reflecting the influence of Catholicism in these regions.
Distribution: The surname Maria is not as common in Britain compared to its prevalence in countries with a strong Catholic heritage. However, there are British families with the surname Maria, often with ancestors who have roots in Catholic communities or regions where the name is more common.
Notable Individuals:
- Maria Callas - Renowned Greek operatic soprano known for her powerful voice and dramatic performances.
- Maria Sharapova - Russian tennis player who has won multiple Grand Slam titles.
- Maria Montessori - Italian physician and educator known for developing the Montessori method of education.
Trivia:
- The name Maria has been popularised through various songs, including the iconic "Maria" from the musical West Side Story.
Overall, the surname Maria carries a rich history and is linked to religious and cultural traditions across Europe. Its use in Britain adds to the diverse tapestry of surnames found within the country.
There are approximately 339 people named Maria in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Maria.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Antonio
- David
- Dominique
- Florin
- Joao
- Jose
- Joseph
- Lalit
- Martin
- Nick
- Philip
- Rui
Female
- Ana
- Anna
- Babita
- Carla
- Diana
- Elena
- Kelly
- Natasha
- Patricia
- Sandra
Similar and related surnames
- Maari
- Maiara
- Maier
- Mair
- Maira
- Mar
- Mara
- Maraia
- Marei
- Mareya
- Mari
- Mariage
- Mariah
- Mariam
- Marian
- Mariani
- Marians
- Marias
- Mariat
- Mariaux
- Marie
- Maril
- Marin
- Mario
- Maris
- Mariya
- Mariz
- Marr
- Marra
- Marri
- Marria
- Marriam
- Marrian
- Marriat
- Marrie
- Marris
- Marya
- Mauri
- Maurie
- Maurri
- Meir
- Meri
- Meria
- Meriau
- Miri
- Miria
- Moar
- Mohr
- Moore
- Mori
- Moria
- Muri
- Muria
- Murias
- Murie
- Murri
- Murria
- Murrie
- Myrie
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.