Marina is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "mare," which means "sea." Therefore, the name Marina literally translates to "of the sea" or "born near the sea." The name has been associated with the sea and its mysteries throughout history.
The name Marina gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain. It was often given to girls born near coastal regions or who had a strong connection to the sea. Some variations of the name include Marinara (Italian), Marína (Czech), and Marianna (English).
One famous historical figure named Marina was Saint Marina, also known as Saint Marine. She was an early Christian martyr who died in the 3rd century AD. According to legend, she was drowned at sea for refusing to renounce her faith during a persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire.
Today, the name Marina continues to be popular among parents around the world. It is often chosen for its beautiful sound and meaning, as well as its association with the natural element of water.
The name Marina experienced a significant increase in popularity over time, with the number of annual births reaching its peak in recent years. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 10 births per year occurring most years between 1886 and 1934. However, starting around 1935, there was a marked rise in the number of girls named Marina, reaching over 60 births per year by 1940.
The name's popularity continued to grow throughout the mid-20th century, with annual births exceeding 100 for the first time in 1960. This trend accelerated in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with Marina becoming one of the most popular girls' names during this period.
The peak popularity of the name Marina occurred between 1987 and 2000, during which time there were over 400 births per year for several years. The name reached its zenith in 1992 with a total of 1007 births, indicating that Marina was one of the most favored names for girls during this time.
After peaking around the turn of the century, the popularity of the name Marina has gradually declined. Since around 2003, annual births have been consistently below 500 and have continued to decrease in recent years, reaching a low of 399 births each in both 2020 and 2021. Despite this recent decline, the name Marina remains popular, with over 400 births recorded in both 2022 (457) and 2023 (518).
In total, there have been 38,553 births named Marina between 1886 and 2023, indicating the enduring appeal of this name across several generations.