Moriah Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: mo-RY-uh //məˈraɪə//
Origin: Hebrew; English
Meaning: Hebrew: 'the Lord is my teacher'; English: 'from Moriah'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Moriah has its roots in the Hebrew language, derived from the word "Moriya," which is believed to mean "the Lord is my teacher" or "chosen by God." This name appears in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Genesis, where it is associated with the region where Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his son Isaac, a pivotal narrative that underscores themes of faith and obedience. The name's biblical significance has contributed to its enduring presence in religious contexts and among various cultures influenced by Judeo-Christian traditions.
Historically, Moriah is linked to significant moments in biblical history, particularly around the 2nd millennium BCE when the events of Genesis were set. The name is often associated with Mount Moriah, which is traditionally identified with the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, a site of profound religious importance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
This connection to a sacred location has imbued the name with a sense of reverence and spiritual significance throughout the centuries. In addition to its biblical roots, Moriah has been embraced in various cultural contexts, often symbolizing divine guidance and faith.
The name has appeared in religious texts and literature, reinforcing its association with spiritual themes. While diminutives or variations such as "Moria" may exist, the name Moriah itself has maintained a distinct identity, resonating with those who appreciate its historical and religious connotations.
Overall, Moriah serves as a reminder of the deep connections between names, faith, and cultural heritage.
Famous people named Moriah
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Moriah was first seen in the United States in 1968. Moriah has ranked as high as #763 nationally, which occurred in 1992, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Moriah has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Moriah (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 21 | |
| CA | 16 | |
| GA | 16 | |
| PA | 14 | |
| FL | 14 | |
| NC | 10 | |
| VA | 9 | |
| NY | 8 | |
| OH | 8 | |
| TN | 6 | |
| AR | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1968 | 8 |
| 1970 | 14 |
| 1971 | 13 |
| 1972 | 20 |
| 1973 | 35 |
| 1974 | 51 |
| 1975 | 35 |
| 1976 | 59 |
| 1977 | 81 |
| 1978 | 81 |
| 1979 | 82 |
| 1980 | 77 |
| 1981 | 88 |
| 1982 | 92 |
| 1983 | 83 |
| 1984 | 89 |
| 1985 | 109 |
| 1986 | 125 |
| 1987 | 128 |
| 1988 | 169 |
| 1989 | 187 |
| 1990 | 252 |
| 1991 | 477 |
| 1992 | 517 |
| 1993 | 507 |
| 1994 | 499 |
| 1995 | 516 |
| 1996 | 488 |
| 1997 | 504 |
| 1998 | 457 |
| 1999 | 398 |
| 2000 | 358 |
| 2001 | 314 |
| 2002 | 272 |
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 293 |
| 2005 | 301 |
| 2006 | 297 |
| 2007 | 319 |
| 2008 | 353 |
| 2009 | 377 |
| 2010 | 354 |
| 2011 | 323 |
| 2012 | 309 |
| 2013 | 268 |
| 2014 | 275 |
| 2015 | 278 |
| 2016 | 282 |
| 2017 | 242 |
| 2018 | 203 |
| 2019 | 216 |
| 2020 | 193 |
| 2021 | 182 |
| 2022 | 178 |
| 2023 | 245 |
| 2024 | 195 |