Chinese name for Mary
Mary is usually written 玛丽 (mǎ lì) in Chinese. That is a phonetic transliteration: it copies the sound, so Chinese speakers read it as a foreign name. If you want a name that feels native, here are authentic Chinese given names inspired by Mary.
Mary in Chinese, by sound
玛丽
mǎ lì
Fine for writing your English name on a Chinese form. It is not a Chinese given name, and the characters were picked for sound, not meaning.
Authentic Chinese names inspired by Mary
Real given-name characters from our curated library. A full Chinese name puts a one-character surname first, for example 林 (Lín) + 宛宜.
Grace and harmony here suit the timeless, gentle feeling of the name Mary.
About the name Mary
Mary comes from the Hebrew Miryam, a name whose deeper meaning is uncertain, often linked to bitterness or belovedness.
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Find my Chinese nameFrequently asked questions
What is Mary in Chinese?
The usual phonetic version of Mary is 玛丽 (mǎ lì). It copies the sound, so Chinese speakers read it as a foreign name. Authentic Chinese given names inspired by Mary include 宛宜 (wǎn yí), 安芮 (ān ruì).
How do you write Mary in Chinese characters?
Phonetically, Mary is written 玛丽. A native-feeling Chinese name is different: a surname followed by one or two given characters chosen for meaning, such as 宛宜.
What is a good Chinese name for someone called Mary?
Pick characters that real Chinese people are named with and that carry a meaning you like. 宛宜 (wǎn yí): Grace and harmony here suit the timeless, gentle feeling of the name Mary. 安芮 (ān ruì): Peace and delicacy give this name a serene beauty that pairs well with Mary.
Why sound-based names fall flat: Chinese name vs. transliteration.