Marian

[ mair-ee-uhn mar- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the Virgin Mary.
2. of or relating to some other Mary, as Mary Tudor of England or Mary, Queen of Scots.

noun

1. a person who has a particular devotion to the Virgin Mary.
2. an adherent or defender of Mary, Queen of Scots.
3. a female given name, form of Mary.

Marian

/ ˈmɛərɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus
2. of or relating to some other Mary, such as Mary, Queen of Scots or Mary I of England

noun

1. a person who has a special devotion to the Virgin Mary
2. a supporter of some other Mary

Word History and Origins

Origin of Marian¹

First recorded in 1600–10; Mary + -an

Example Sentences

Shipstead unravels parallel narratives, Marian’s and that of another woman whose life is changed by Marian’s story, in glorious detail.

From Time

The bad luck continues when one of the ship’s young survivors, Marian, grows up to become a pilot—only to disappear on the job.

From Time

Ralph isn’t with us anymore, but his family still runs the place, and his wife, Marian, shows up each day for breakfast.

From Outside Online

Just before a cloud settled over our camp and limited visibility to about 50 feet, Marian managed to get enough service on her phone to check the forecast.

From Outside Online

By now, I bet you’re curious how Robin of Foxley actually performed at Marian’s archery challenge.

From FiveThirtyEight

Marian Goodman, for example, brought only works by Gerard Richter.

From The Daily Beast

My love affair with the divine, demure, and undeniably sexy Marian Robinson.

From The Daily Beast

When Michelle Obama's mother, Marian Robinson, moves to Washington, she'll help redefine the notion of the 'all-American' family.

From The Daily Beast

One plan being discussed is for them to stay in the care of their grandmother, Marian Robinson.

From The Daily Beast

Likewise do not name your dog Marian, Frederick, or Patricia.

From The Daily Beast

Here, therefore, is an undoubted link between the Marian and Elizabethan Churches.

From Project Gutenberg

When Marian paused there was a silence as Sylvia tried to pick out of this long speech something to which she could respond.

From Project Gutenberg

Marian was altogether obvious; whereas Mrs. Owen felt the barriers of reserve in Sylvia.

From Project Gutenberg

Quite naturally she was comparing the slim, dark-eyed girl at her side with Marian Bassett.

From Project Gutenberg

"Blackford—he's my brother—is going to Annapolis," said Marian, thus reminded of her brother's aspirations.

From Project Gutenberg