I like
Mary but in the abstract. I find it quite dull when I meet a
Mary probably because it's so common. I haven't come across one younger than late 30s in a long time. I have noticed that the Marys that quite often are
Mary Ellen,
Mary T,
Mary Ellen, etc.
I like
Mary Kate but I would use a nn - I like
Molly a lot, don't like
Marion, find
Polly a bit cutesy.
I had a great-aunt
Mary who my mother was very fond of so I have positive associations with
Mary.