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Mari

Girl name · 147 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Mari: 147 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 14 births in 1984.

Derived from the Hebrew Miryam, Mari is a classic name found in many cultures. In Gaelic, it serves as a beloved Scottish variant of Mary, carrying the debated meanings of "bitter," "rebel," or "beloved." Its most famous bearer is Mari Wilson, the British singer known for her 1980s hit "Just What I Always Wanted." The name also connects to the historic Mari, an ancient Sumerian city in modern-day Syria, though this shares a different etymological root. In Scotland, the variant Mairi remains the standard Gaelic form, while Mari has a fresh, international appeal often chosen by modern parents seeking a shorter alternative.