Miriam
Miriam: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmɪɹi.əm/
Meaning and origin of Miriam
- A female given name from Hebrew.
Etymology
From Hebrew מִרְיָם (Miryam), possibly from Aramaic מרים (Maryām, “bitter”), from a root מר (m-r) meaning "to be bitter". The meaning of this name which is the Old Testament equivalent of Mary has been debated for centuries. Some other explanations are mutiny / rebellion / disobedience from a root מרי (m-r-y).
How popular is Miriam?
Since 1880, 117,910 girls and 280 boys in the U.S. have been named Miriam (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #134 in 1917. Its highest rank for boys was #2577 in 1932. In 2025 it ranked #246 for girls, with 1,262 babies given the name.
Names similar to Miriam
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Hebrew girl names
Sibling name ideas for Miriam
Sister and brother names that share Miriam's Hebrew roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Miriam FAQ
What does the name Miriam mean?
A female given name from Hebrew. From Hebrew מִרְיָם (Miryam), possibly from Aramaic מרים (Maryām, “bitter”), from a root מר (m-r) meaning "to be bitter". The meaning of this name which is the Old Testament equivalent of Mary has been debated for centuries. Some other explanations are mutiny / rebellion / disobedience from a root מרי (m-r-y).
What is the origin of the name Miriam?
Miriam is listed as a name of Hebrew origin.
How popular is the name Miriam?
Since 1880, 117,910 girls and 280 boys in the U.S. have been named Miriam (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #134 in 1917. Its highest rank for boys was #2577 in 1932. In 2025 it ranked #246 for girls, with 1,262 babies given the name.
Is Miriam a boy or girl name?
Miriam is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 117,910 girls and 280 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.