Origin
Latin origin from 'marinus' meaning 'of the sea'. Historically used in Christian texts to evoke the sea's serenity and majesty, the name has been adopted across various cultures in Australia, primarily through European influence. There is no specific Aboriginal or Māori etymology for this name.
Meaning
Literal meaning 'of the sea'. In the Australian English context, it connotes Oceanic beauty and tranquillity, often associated with coastal regions and maritime heritage.
Pronunciation
/məˈriːnə/ (Australian English pronunciation: muh-REE-nuh, with emphasis on the second syllable), with stress on the second syllable, the 'a' as in 'car' and ' Marina' as in standard Australian English.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Marina (original and most common spelling)
- Marinna (alternative spelling)
- Marinae (rare variant)
Nicknames
- Mary
- Mara
Name Days
- 29 June (Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, often associated with the sea in Christian tradition)
- 19 August (Feast of the Assumption, significant in Catholic traditions)
- 15 August (Ferragosto in Italy, sometimes celebrated culturally in coastal communities)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with marina:
- Elizabeth and Marina
- Sophie and Marina
- Anna and Marina
Fun Facts
- The name Marina gained popularity in Australia during the 20th century, especially among coastal and seaside communities.
- Famous Australian swimmers like Marina de Bruin have contributed to contemporary recognition of the name.
- There are several marine conservation projects in Australia bearing the name Marina, reflecting its association with the sea.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name marina:
- Calm and empathetic, often associated with a nurturing personality
- Linked to creativity and a love for nature, particularly marine environments.
- Optimistic and adventurous, with a strong connection to the sea
Aesthetic Qualities
Elegant and timeless appearance, with soft, flowing syllables that evoke images of waves and coastlines in Australian visual culture. Well-suited for branding, art, and literature.
Geographical Distribution
More prevalent in coastal regions such as New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, reflecting Australia's maritime culture and coastal lifestyle influences.
Numerological Significance
Name number 9 according to numerology, symbolising humanitarianism, idealism, and spiritual enlightenment, aligning well with the nurturing and artistic traits associated with the name.
Astrological Connections
Linked with the zodiac signs Cancer and Pisces, which are associated with water, emotion, and intuition, echoing the name's oceanic roots and qualities.
Historical Context
Historically, the name has been used since the Middle Ages in Christian Europe, especially associated with maritime saints and figures, which influenced its adoption in Australia through European settlers.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across languages, remaining largely unchanged, though pronunciation may slightly vary in non-English speaking countries, such as 'Marina' with accent variations.
Famous People Named marina
- Marina Prior (Australian singer and actress)
- Marina (singer, originally from Russia but popular in Australia)
- Marina de Bruin (Australian swimmer)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 2 |
2017 | 2 |
2016 | 2 |
2015 | 2 |