I guess the way you say
Marie or
Maria would depend on your accent.
Maria...I personally say Mah-ree-ah (I trill my r's usually too).
Marie... I personally say mar-ee.
It is the same as
MARgaret for me.
I do agree with the asian assessment though, that is likely what I would assume if I met a
Mari (though, the
Rowan would throw a loop in that).