Marya is of Slavic origin, deriving from the Latin name Maria, which means "sea" or "rebellious." It is a variant spelling of the name Mary, often used in Eastern European countries such as Russia and Poland. The name Marya has gained international recognition due to its use by notable figures like Russian poet Marina Tsvetaeva, who was known by her nickname 'Marya.' Despite its roots, Marya remains relatively uncommon outside of Slavic cultures, making it a unique choice for those seeking a distinctive yet traditional name.
The name Marya experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century plus, with a notable peak occurring around the mid-1950s to early 1960s. The name's popularity has since declined steadily, reaching an all-time low in recent years.