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

In a statement on social media, his family said he died peacefully on Wednesday, “surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery.”

From New York Times

“He did so surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery.”

From BBC

Petticrew leads us through Dolours' youth through her and Marian's harrowing imprisonment.

From Salon

Still, she was able to relate to Marian, the quiet yet flinty younger sister who looks up to the fiery Dolours.

From Los Angeles Times

He immediately sent a letter to Dan and Marian Johnson of the Willard Gallery in New York, describing him as "one of the finest" painters he had ever seen.

From BBC