Mary written in Chinese
玛丽 is the standard Chinese transliteration used for the English name in dictionaries, films, and media, but as a personal name it sounds clearly foreign because 玛 is mainly used for sound-matching and the full form feels like a transliterated Western name.
3 real Chinese names for Mary
These are given names (the part after the family name) that echo the sound of Mary and read naturally to Chinese speakers.
1 · elegant
Méiyǎ
“plum-blossom grace and elegance”
The mei sound gently echoes the opening of Mary while still feeling fully Chinese.
2 · warm
Měiníng
“beauty and serenity”
Mei reflects the first sound of Mary, and Ning gives it a soft, natural Chinese finish.
3 · classic
Měilín
“beautiful jade grace”
Mei echoes the start of Mary, while Lin keeps the name smooth and familiar to Chinese ears.
A nickname friends might use
小梅 Xiǎoméi: Little Mei; a sweet, friendly nickname.
Add a Chinese family name
A full Chinese name puts the family name first: for example 林梅雅 (Lín Méiyǎ). Many people choose a Chinese surname that sounds like their own last name, and a given name that carries the element their birth chart lacks.
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Get my free Chinese profile →About the name Mary
Mary is a classic biblical name from Hebrew, traditionally linked with meanings such as “beloved,” “bitter,” or “wished-for child.”
Frequently asked questions
How do you say Mary in Chinese?
The standard transliteration is 玛丽, pronounced Mǎlì. 玛丽 is the standard Chinese transliteration used for the English name in dictionaries, films, and media, but as a personal name it sounds clearly foreign because 玛 is mainly used for sound-matching and the full form feels like a transliterated Western name.
What is a good Chinese name for Mary?
Natural options that echo the sound of Mary: 梅雅 (Méiyǎ, “plum-blossom grace and elegance”); 美宁 (Měiníng, “beauty and serenity”); 美琳 (Měilín, “beautiful jade grace”). In a full Chinese name the family name comes first, followed by one of these given names.
How do you write Mary in Chinese characters?
As a transliteration: 玛丽. As a real Chinese given name: for example 梅雅 (梅 = plum blossom, 雅 = elegant, refined).
Can I use 玛丽 as my Chinese name?
You can, but Chinese speakers will read it as a foreign name. Most people who live, study or work with Chinese speakers prefer a short name with a Chinese family name and a meaningful given name.
More girls’ names starting with M
Madeline · Madelyn · Madison · Maeve · Maria · Matilda · Maya · Megan · Melody · Mia · Michelle · Mila · Millie · Molly
Pinyin generated from the characters; tones shown with marks. Updated 2026-11-05.