why "Maria"?

[M_aria]

For a brief moment I was going to say that I've heard the name "Maria" in a lot of J-pop songs, but now only two come to mind (Ayu & hitomi). Anyways, is there some religious aspect to these songs? I've read translations for both of them and "M" sounds like it has a bit more spiritual influence in comparison to hitomi's "Maria", does Ayu refer to the Virgin Mary in "M"? Cause, in a way, it sounds like she's praying. Also, is Maria a popular name in Japan? I swear i've heard it in some other songs, I just can't remember who...