Mariya

Mariya is the East Slavic and Bulgarian form of Maria, itself derived from the Latin and Greek Maria, which traces back to the Hebrew name Miryam, whose precise meaning is debated but may relate to "beloved," "bitter," or "drop of the sea." The name gained widespread use across Slavic cultures through Christian tradition, largely in honor of the Virgin Mary. It remains a common given name in Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Belarus, serving as the native-language equivalent of the internationally widespread Maria. Related forms include Marija, used in South Slavic languages, and the Russian diminutive Masha.