Manya

Manya is a Russian and Eastern European diminutive of Maria, itself derived from the Hebrew Miriam, whose root meaning is debated but commonly interpreted as meaning beloved, wished-for child, or sea of bitterness. It developed as an affectionate everyday form of Maria widely used in Russian-speaking communities and spread through Jewish communities of Eastern Europe as well. The name gained some literary and historical recognition through figures such as Manya, a character in Chekhov's works, and through its association with Marie Curie, born Maria Skłodowska, who was called Manya in her Polish family circle. Related forms include Masha, Marusya, and the wider family of Maria variants across European languages.