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Mara Girl

Popularity: #490 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationMAR-uh / /ˈmɑːrə/

Hebrew; Latin

Meaning

Hebrew: bitter; Latin: sea

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Mara has its roots in the Hebrew language, derived from the word "mar" meaning "bitter." This etymological origin is significant, as it is associated with the biblical narrative of Naomi, who, upon returning to Bethlehem after a period of hardship, expressed her sorrow by stating that she should be called Mara instead of Naomi, reflecting her bitterness over her losses. This account is found in the Book of Ruth, which is part of the Hebrew Bible, dating back to the 10th century BCE or earlier, and later included in the Christian Old Testament.

The name Mara appears in various historical texts and translations, including the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, and the Latin Vulgate. Its presence in these significant religious texts has contributed to its enduring recognition across cultures and languages. The name has also been adopted in various forms and languages, maintaining its original connotation of bitterness, which can symbolize resilience in the face of adversity.

Culturally, Mara has been associated with themes of loss and transformation, resonating in literary and artistic expressions throughout history. In some traditions, the name is linked to the concept of mourning and the complexities of human emotion, reflecting a deep understanding of life's challenges. Additionally, the name has been used in various mythologies and folklore, often embodying the duality of sorrow and strength. While diminutive forms or variations exist, such as Mara in different cultures, the name's historical significance remains rooted in its original meaning and biblical context.

Trend Summary

Mara has experienced a steady presence in the U.S. baby name charts, with occasional spikes in popularity.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Marae
  • Marah

International Variants

  • Mara (Spanish)
  • Mara (Italian)
  • Mara (Portuguese)

Famous people named Mara

Mara Wilson is an actress best known for Matilda, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Miracle on 34th Street.

Mara Jade is a character in the Star Wars expanded universe best known for her role in the Thrawn trilogy and the Star Wars: Jedi Academy series.

Mara Brock Akil is a television writer and producer best known for Girlfriends, The Game, and Being Mary Jane.

Fictional characters named Mara

Mara Jade is a fictional character from the Star Wars expanded universe. She is a former Emperor's Hand who becomes a key figure in the New Jedi Order and marries Luke Skywalker.

Mara is a fictional character from the video game series Mortal Kombat. They are a character introduced in the game Mortal Kombat: Deception, known for their unique fighting style and abilities.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Mara was first seen in the United States in 1892. Mara has ranked as high as #825 nationally, which occurred in 2021, and has been most popular in California, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. In the past 5 years the name Mara has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Mara (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 50
11%
NY 30
7%
TX 27
6%
OH 26
6%
FL 25
6%
MN 25
6%
IL 19
4%
UT 18
4%
WA 18
4%
WI 18
4%
IA 17
4%
PA 15
3%
VA 14
3%
MO 13
3%
NC 13
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18926
19118
19125
19145
19157
19167
191712
191813
191910
19207
192115
19228
192310
192415
192518
192616
192713
192815
192913
193013
193110
193212
193312
193411
193520
193622
193713
19388
193924
194019
194123
194223
194329
194427
194533
194631
194751
194838
194953
195094
1951106
1952126
1953113
1954176
1955163
1956180
1957150
1958170
1959139
1960152
1961186
1962168
1963171
1964179
1965194
1966185
1967227
1968221
1969258
1970286
1971267
1972270
1973242
1974227
1975237
1976286
1977236
1978273
1979242
1980259
1981237
1982239
1983241
1984230
1985203
1986204
1987269
1988331
1989410
1990443
1991400
1992371
1993375
1994370
1995350
1996393
1997412
1998411
1999363
2000418
2001405
2002420
2003417
2004427
2005415
2006415
2007389
2008355
2009377
2010308
2011312
2012335
2013366
2014409
2015383
2016427
2017440
2018431
2019438
2020463
2021568
2022478
2023515
2024514