Maru%c5%a1a

Maruša is a Slovenian and Croatian diminutive form of Marija, the South Slavic equivalent of Maria, which derives from the Hebrew Miryam, a name of uncertain origin possibly meaning beloved, sea of bitterness, or drop of the sea. It developed as an affectionate pet form used in everyday speech across the Slovenian-speaking lands and parts of the former Yugoslav region. The name shares its root with the wider family of Maria derivatives found throughout Europe, including Marie, Mária, and Marija. It remains a common given name in Slovenia today.