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Maria (given name) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Maria is a popular female given name used in many languages around the world. It comes from the Latin form of the ancient name Miriam. This name has a long history and is very common in many cultures.

The name Maria has also been used for powerful Atlantic tropical cyclones. For example, in September 2017, a very strong storm called Hurricane Maria caused a lot of damage when it hit places like Dominica, the United States Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

The Meaning and Origin of Maria

The name Maria is believed to come from the ancient Hebrew name Miriam. The exact meaning of Miriam is not fully known, but some ideas include "sea of bitterness," "rebellious," or "wished-for child." Over time, as languages changed, Miriam became Maria in Latin, and then spread to many other languages.

In many cultures, especially those with strong Christian traditions, Maria is a very important name. This is because of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is often called Maria in Latin and other languages. Because of her importance, the name Maria became very popular and is still widely used today.

Famous People Named Maria

Many notable people throughout history and in modern times have been named Maria. They have made contributions in various fields, from royalty to sports and entertainment.

Historical Figures

  • Maria I of Portugal (1734–1816) was a queen who ruled Portugal and the Algarve from 1777 until her death. She was known for her strong faith and for supporting the arts and sciences during her reign.

Modern Personalities

  • Maria Bello (born 1967) is an American actress. She has starred in many movies and TV shows, earning praise for her acting skills.
  • María de Villota (1980–2013) was a Spanish racing driver. She was one of the few women to compete in the high-speed world of Formula One racing, working as a test driver.
  • Maria Shriver (born 1955) is an American journalist and author. She is also known for her work as the First Lady of California when her former husband, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was governor.

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