Mary
Meaning: A name with a warm, nurturing resonance
Origin: Hebrew — from Miriam (מִרְיָם), possibly from meri (beloved) or mar (bitter) + yam (sea)
Gender: Girl
Rank in Australia: #78
Total births: 7,311
History: Mary was Australia's most popular name through the colonial era and into the mid-20th century. Mary Reibey, transported as a convict, became one of colonial Australia's wealthiest merchants — her face was on the $20 note. Mary means Australia's rags-to-riches convict heritage.
Explore more at Australian Baby Names on BabyNa.me
Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2008) | #99 |
| Babies named Mary in 2008 | 79 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 7,311 |
| Peak year | 1952 (433 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #19 |
| Years in records | 1952–2008 (31 years of data) |
Frequently asked about Mary
What does the name Mary mean?
Mary means “A name with a warm, nurturing resonance” from Hebrew — from Miriam (מִרְיָם), possibly from meri (beloved) or mar (bitter) + yam (sea) roots.
What is the origin of the name Mary?
Mary has Hebrew — from Miriam (מִרְיָם), possibly from meri (beloved) or mar (bitter) + yam (sea) origin. The traditional meaning is “A name with a warm, nurturing resonance”.
How popular is Mary in Australia?
Mary ranked #99 in Australia in 2008 — given to 79 babies that year.
When was Mary most popular?
Mary peaked in 1952 with 433 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Mary a boy or girl name?
Mary is predominantly a girls' name in Australia — over 90% of Marys in registered births are female.
How long has Mary been recorded in Australia?
Mary appears in birth records in Australia across 31 years — from 1952 through 2008.