Marika

Marika is a diminutive and pet form of Maria, itself the Latin and Greek form of the Hebrew name Miryam, whose exact meaning is debated but is often connected to roots meaning beloved, sea of bitterness, or drop of the sea. The name spread widely across Europe alongside the veneration of the Virgin Mary, giving rise to affectionate short forms in many languages, and Marika emerged independently in Czech, Slovak, Polish, Hungarian, Finnish, Estonian, Greek, Georgian, Italian, Swedish, and German traditions. It has been borne by several notable figures, including Hungarian actress Marika Rökk. Closely related forms include Mari, Marja, Marike, and Marika.