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Maruša is a Slovenian and Croatian diminutive form of Maria, itself derived from the Hebrew Miriam, whose meaning is debated but often interpreted as beloved, sea of bitterness, or drop of the sea. It developed as an affectionate vernacular pet form in South Slavic languages and has been in popular use in Slovenia for centuries. Related forms include Marica, Marija, and Maja, all sharing the same Latin and ultimately Hebrew root.