About the name Marina
Etymology & meaning
Marina comes from the Latin marinus — "of the sea". In Bulgarian usage the name lives independently of Maria, with the masculine Marin and the derivatives Marinela and Marinka.
History & patron saint
Saint Marina the Great Martyr, who died in Antioch in the 3rd century, is among the Balkans' most venerated summer saints — folk tradition calls her Fiery Marina and ties her to protection from fire and lightning. Her memory is kept on 17 July.
Traditions & customs
Around Fiery Marina the folk calendar keeps the "goreshtnitsi" — the hottest days of the year, when old custom forbade lighting fires or reaping. Celebrants keep a summer table; many towns hold fairs around the date.
Popularity & notable bearers
Marina is a steady Bulgarian name with a maritime ring, especially loved along the Black Sea coast; Marin is among the returning male classics.