Mary Lau

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Mary Lau — beloved, wished-for
4.1 million People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Mary Lau is a name that combines Hebrew origins. The first name Mary is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin. From the Latin Maria, from the Greek Μαρία, from Hebrew Miryam. The most common female name in the Christian world, in honor of the Virgin Mary. The surname Lau: Amy Lau (1968–2025), American interior designer Andrew Lau (born 1960), Hong Kong director and producer Andy Lau (born 1961), Hong Kong singer and actor Carina Lau (born 1965), Hong Kong-Canadian actress and director Chak Sing Lau, Hong Kong professor of rheumatology Charley Lau (1933–1984), American catcher and hitting coach in Major League Baseball Christel Lau (born 1944), German field hockey player Constance Lau (born 1991), Singaporean actress and model David Lau (born 1966), Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Emma Lau (born 1991), British actress Evelyn Lau (born 1971), Canadian writer Finn. Mary is one of the most widespread first names worldwide, carried by approximately 4.1 million people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Mary reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Mary

Meaning: beloved, wished-for

Hebrew

From the Latin Maria, from the Greek Μαρία, from Hebrew Miryam. The most common female name in the Christian world, in honor of the Virgin Mary.

Surname: Lau

Vietnamese

Amy Lau (1968–2025), American interior designer Andrew Lau (born 1960), Hong Kong director and producer Andy Lau (born 1961), Hong Kong singer and actor Carina Lau (born 1965), Hong Kong-Canadian actress and director Chak Sing Lau, Hong Kong professor of rheumatology Charley Lau (1933–1984), American catcher and hitting coach in Major League Baseball Christel Lau (born 1944), German field hockey player Constance Lau (born 1991), Singaporean actress and model David Lau (born 1966), Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Emma Lau (born 1991), British actress Evelyn Lau (born 1971), Canadian writer Finn.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Mary is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 15%
Australia 8%
Canada 9%
Brazil 10%
Israel 6%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Mary by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Name Variants & Related Names

The name Mary has several variants and related forms across different languages and cultures:

  • Maria
  • Marie
  • Mari
  • Mariam
  • Miriam
  • Maryam

Notable People Named Mary Lau

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Mary Lau:

1
Expression Number

Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.

5
Soul Urge Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

5
Personality Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Mary?
The first name Mary originates from Hebrew. From the Latin Maria, from the Greek Μαρία, from Hebrew Miryam. The most common female name in the Christian world, in honor of the Virgin Mary.
When was Mary most popular?
The name Mary reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Lau?
The surname Lau originates from Vietnamese. Amy Lau (1968–2025), American interior designer Andrew Lau (born 1960), Hong Kong director and producer Andy Lau (born 1961), Hong Kong singer and actor Carina Lau (born 1965), Hong Kong-Canadian actress and director Chak Sing Lau, Hong Kong professor of rheumatology Charley Lau (1933–1984), American catcher and hitting coach in Major League Baseball Christel Lau (born 1944), German field hockey player Constance Lau (born 1991), Singaporean actress and model David Lau (born 1966), Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Emma Lau (born 1991), British actress Evelyn Lau (born 1971), Canadian writer Finn.
What are the origins of the name Mary Lau?
The name Mary Lau combines two different traditions: the first name Mary has Hebrew roots, while the surname Lau originates from Vietnamese.
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