Maria Eduarda is the female protagonist of several Portuguese books and songs. Just see "Os Maias" by Eça de Queirós or the song called "Maria da Fonte". In Portugal it is also very common to use religious middle names with it like Maria das Dores, Maria da Luz or Maria dos Prazeres. Ana Maria is also a very common combo.
Maria is the commonest girl's name in Greece. Although it may sound natural, believe me, it is way too overused. There are 4 girls with this name and its combinations in my class.
-- Anonymous User 9/2/2007
Maria can be used as a masculine middle name also in Italian, for example, Gian Maria. [noted -ed]
-- Anonymous User 1/22/2008
Yes, in Spanish as well this name is used as a male or female middle name. In example: Jose MARIA, just like Jose is sometimes used as a female middle name: Maria JOSE.
This should be probably listed under Spanish as well.
I really like this name, it's gorgeous, but I can't use it because my child would probably be teased for having such an ethnic name, whilst I am Caucasian. ]:
In Portugal, up to the 80's most women had double names, one of them being Maria. This happened because the Virgin was crowned Queen of Portugal in 1640, and the country consecrated to her. A new crown was made, and since that time, Portuguese kings and queens could not be portrayed wearing the crown, since the Virgin is the eternal queen of Portugal. The name Maria, in women, reflects that dedication. That changed during the 80's when the country ceased to have an official state religion.