Standard spelling
玛丽
Mǎ lì
The standard Chinese spelling of Mary.
- 玛
- agate; a common name sound
- 丽
- beautiful
The version used for Mary in Chinese books, films and news.
Mary in Chinese
In Chinese, Mary is written 玛丽 (Mǎ lì), the standard spelling used in Chinese books, films and news. If you would like a name with meaning, try 梅丽 (Méi lì): a Chinese-style name meaning plum-blossom beauty.
Write Mary in calligraphyFree preview · No sign-up
玛丽
Mǎ lì
Mary
Choose by sound or by meaning.
There is no single official spelling of an English name in Chinese. Here is what each option says, character by character.
Name with meaning
梅丽
Méi lì
A Chinese-style name meaning plum-blossom beauty.
- 梅
- plum blossom
- 丽
- beautiful
Keeps the “Mar-y” sound of Mary, with a meaning worth wearing.
Single character
梅
Méi
A single character meaning plum blossom, which flowers through winter.
- 梅
- plum blossom
A compact mark for small artwork or a seal-style stamp.
Where Mary comes from.
Mary comes from the Hebrew Miryam through Greek and Latin. Its original meaning is uncertain; suggestions include “beloved” and “wished-for child”. It is the name of the mother of Jesus.
Famous Marys in Chinese
- Mary Shelleynovelist, Frankenstein玛丽·雪莱
About Mary in Chinese
What does the name Mary mean?
Mary comes from the Hebrew Miryam through Greek and Latin. Its original meaning is uncertain; suggestions include “beloved” and “wished-for child”. It is the name of the mother of Jesus.
How do you say Mary in Chinese?
Mary is written 玛丽 and pronounced Mǎ lì. This is the standard spelling Chinese speakers use for the name. The version used for Mary in Chinese books, films and news.
What does 梅丽 mean?
梅丽 (Méi lì) is a Chinese-style name for Mary: a Chinese-style name meaning plum-blossom beauty. 梅 means “plum blossom”, 丽 means “beautiful”.
Which version of Mary is best for a tattoo?
玛丽 is how Chinese speakers will read your name. 梅丽 is shorter and every character carries a meaning, which many people prefer for body art. Write it in a readable style such as Kaishu, and show it to a fluent reader before your appointment.