The holy name of Mary: meaning and feast (September 12th)

# The Feast of the Holy Name of Mary

The **Holy Name of Mary** is celebrated in a distinct liturgical feast on **September 12th**, four days after the **Nativity of Mary**. Devotion to the name of the Mother of God is ancient within the Church.

## The Meaning of the Name “Mary”

The name “Mary” derives from the Hebrew *Miriam*. Its etymology is debated, but tradition has gathered several interpretations: “lady,” “beloved of God,” and most notably, **”Star of the Sea”** (*Stella Maris*). This interpretation was popularized by Saint Jerome and later made famous by Saint Bernard, who encouraged invoking Mary as the guiding star during life’s storms.

## The Feast of the Holy Name of Mary

The feast gained popularity in the 17th century and was extended to the entire Church by Pope Innocent XI in 1683 as a thanksgiving for Vienna’s liberation (September 12, 1683), attributed to Mary’s intercession.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**When is the feast of the Holy Name of Mary?**

September 12th.

**What does “Mary” mean?**

It comes from the Hebrew *Miriam*; among traditional interpretations, the most notable is “Star of the Sea” (*Stella Maris*).

**See Also:**

– [The Nativity of Mary](https://locusmariologicus.org/natividade-de-maria/)
– [Theotokos, Mother of God](https://locusmariologicus.org/theotokos/)