← All names

Marika

Girl name · 23 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Marika: 23 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 5 births in 2017.

Marika draws primarily from Hungarian and Greek roots, where it serves as a beloved diminutive of Mária (Hungarian) or a standalone name from Greek *márōn* meaning “sweet wine” or “fragrant.” In Scotland, it’s often encountered as a modern, international alternative to Maria. Notable bearers include Hungarian-German actress and dancer Marika Rökk, who charmed 1940s cinema, and English folk-pop singer-songwriter Marika Hackman. The name shares its etymological core with Mary, so places like St Mary’s Loch or numerous Marian churches in Scotland echo its meaning. A further note: Marika is also a Japanese name meaning “truth” or “fragrance,” written with different kanji – a separate but equally valid origin that adds multicultural depth for parents seeking a name with global resonance.