Maaike

Maaike is a Dutch diminutive form of Maria, itself derived from the Hebrew name Miryam, whose precise original meaning is debated but is often interpreted as beloved, sea of bitterness, or drop of the sea. The name has been widely used in the Netherlands and Frisian-speaking regions for centuries, functioning as an affectionate and familiar everyday equivalent of the more formal Maria or Marie. Its warm, colloquial character made it one of the most common women's names in the Dutch-speaking world through much of the early modern period. Related forms include Maike, Mieke, and Marieke.