Log in · Sign up

Miriam Girl

Popularity: #235 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationMIR-ee-um / ˈmɪr.i.əm

Hebrew; Egyptian

Meaning

Hebrew: 'wished for'; Egyptian: 'beloved'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Miriam has its roots in ancient Hebrew, derived from the Hebrew name מִרְיָם (Miryam). The exact meaning of Miriam is debated, but it is often interpreted as "sea of bitterness," "rebellion," or "wished-for child." The name entered the Greek language as Μαριάμ (Mariam) and later became Μαρίας (Marias) in the New Testament, which contributed to its spread in the early Christian world. The Latin form Maria emerged from the Greek, which then influenced the name's adoption into various European languages, including English, through Old French as Marie.

Miriam is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, where she is depicted as the sister of Moses and Aaron, playing a crucial role in the Exodus narrative. Her story is recounted in the Book of Exodus, which dates back to the 13th century BCE. Miriam is celebrated for her leadership and prophetic abilities, particularly noted for her song of victory after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. This biblical association has contributed to the name's enduring presence in Jewish and Christian traditions.

Throughout history, Miriam has been a name associated with strength and resilience, often symbolizing maternal qualities and leadership. In Jewish culture, it is common for names to carry historical and religious significance, and Miriam is no exception, often evoking the qualities of wisdom and courage. The name has also inspired various diminutive forms, such as Mira or Mimi, which have been used in different cultures. The reverence for Miriam in religious texts and her representation in art and literature have solidified her place in cultural memory, ensuring that the name remains a meaningful choice across generations.

Trend Summary

Miriam has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable presence in the early to mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Mireille
  • Miriamne

International Variants

  • Mireille (French)
  • Miriam (Spanish)
  • Miriam (Italian)
  • Miriam (German)

Famous people named Miriam

Miriam Makeba is a singer and civil rights activist best known for Pata Pata, The Click Song, and her work with the anti-apartheid movement.

Miriam Margolyes is an actress and voice artist best known for her roles in Harry Potter, The Age of Innocence, and her work in various television series.

Miriam Shor is an actress best known for her roles in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Damages, and Younger.

Miriam Toews is an author best known for her novels A Complicated Kindness, All My Puny Sorrows, and Women Talking.

Fictional characters named Miriam

Miriam is a fictional character from the film The Ten Commandments. She is the sister of Moses and plays a crucial role in the Exodus story.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Miriam was first seen in the United States in 1880. Miriam has ranked as high as #235 nationally, which occurred in 1924, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Ohio, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Miriam has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Miriam (2024)

StateBirthsShare
NY 282
24%
NJ 186
16%
CA 81
7%
TX 59
5%
PA 48
4%
OH 47
4%
IN 34
3%
GA 32
3%
FL 31
3%
WA 30
3%
IL 24
2%
NC 23
2%
MD 23
2%
VA 22
2%
TN 22
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188028
188127
188240
188334
188445
188542
188656
188746
188864
188980
189083
189183
189288
1893108
1894152
1895169
1896169
1897188
1898176
1899181
1900214
1901218
1902200
1903218
1904227
1905234
1906273
1907301
1908342
1909339
1910368
1911487
1912686
1913826
1914981
19151,377
19161,460
19171,614
19181,708
19191,541
19201,744
19211,743
19221,639
19231,733
19241,834
19251,600
19261,510
19271,377
19281,250
19291,074
19301,052
1931869
1932904
1933912
1934818
1935792
1936769
1937752
1938768
1939713
1940734
1941715
1942706
1943708
1944710
1945672
1946699
1947756
1948698
1949708
1950841
1951871
1952910
1953906
19541,047
19551,025
19561,040
1957951
1958996
1959956
19601,051
1961949
1962992
1963895
1964853
1965754
1966667
1967656
1968653
1969616
1970655
1971693
1972572
1973589
1974598
1975671
1976619
1977659
1978612
1979762
1980781
1981801
1982812
1983739
1984787
1985747
1986758
1987758
1988735
1989811
1990983
19911,012
19921,057
19931,024
19941,027
1995979
19961,008
1997939
1998994
19991,047
20001,162
20011,076
20021,121
20031,116
20041,199
20051,191
20061,160
20071,146
20081,101
20091,079
20101,086
2011947
20121,050
20131,112
20141,072
20151,106
20161,122
20171,151
20181,109
20191,165
20201,151
20211,193
20221,202
20231,246
20241,267