Miriam
Miriam is a girl's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Beloved, wished-for child, or sea of bitterness.
Origin and history
Miriam is a classic name of Hebrew origin, historically related to the name Mary. In the Bible, Miriam was the elder sister of Moses and Aaron who played a key role in the Exodus story. It remains a enduringly popular choice in the United States, maintaining steady usage over the decades.
Popularity in the United States
117,910 babies in the United States have been named Miriam since 1880. It ranks #329 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #249.
States where it is most popular
- NY (22.8 %)
- PA (9.3 %)
- CA (9 %)
- TX (5.8 %)
- NJ (5.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 462 |
| 1890-1900 | 1,397 |
| 1900-1910 | 2,566 |
| 1910-1920 | 11,048 |
| 1920-1930 | 15,504 |
| 1930-1940 | 8,348 |
| 1940-1950 | 7,107 |
| 1950-1960 | 9,544 |
| 1960-1970 | 8,084 |
| 1970-1980 | 6,433 |
| 1980-1990 | 7,729 |
| 1990-2000 | 10,071 |
| 2000-2010 | 11,356 |
| 2010-2019 | 10,927 |
| 2020-2029 | 7,334 |
Famous people named Miriam
- Miriam Makeba: Singer, Activist
- Miriam Margolyes: Actress
- Miriam Defensor Santiago: Politician, Judge
Nicknames
Miri, Mim, Mimi
Fun facts
- Miriam is recognized as one of the seven major female prophets in Israelite history.
- Miriam is the original Hebrew form from which the names Mary and Maria derived.