Mara
Mara: name meaning, origin and popularity
Meaning and origin of Mara
- A female given name from Hebrew.
Etymology
From Hebrew מָרָא (mara, “bitterness”), derived from Hebrew מַר (mar, “bitter”). The modern given name may also be shortened from Maria or Tamara.
How popular is Mara?
Since 1880, 24,038 girls and 16 boys in the U.S. have been named Mara (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #538 in 1990. Its highest rank for boys was #5951 in 1983. In 2025 it ranked #589 for girls, with 499 babies given the name.
Names similar to Mara
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Hebrew girl names
Sibling name ideas for Mara
Sister and brother names that share Mara's Hebrew roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Mara FAQ
What does the name Mara mean?
A female given name from Hebrew. From Hebrew מָרָא (mara, “bitterness”), derived from Hebrew מַר (mar, “bitter”). The modern given name may also be shortened from Maria or Tamara.
What is the origin of the name Mara?
Mara is listed as a name of Hebrew origin.
How popular is the name Mara?
Since 1880, 24,038 girls and 16 boys in the U.S. have been named Mara (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #538 in 1990. Its highest rank for boys was #5951 in 1983. In 2025 it ranked #589 for girls, with 499 babies given the name.
Is Mara a boy or girl name?
Mara is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 24,038 girls and 16 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.