Mariah is a female given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "Miriam," which means "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness." In the Bible, Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron, and she played an important role in the Israelites' escape from Egypt.
The name Mariah has been used for centuries and has gained popularity in recent years. It is often associated with famous individuals such as Mariah Carey, a popular singer-songwriter, actress, and record producer. Despite its Hebrew origin, Mariah has also become common in other cultures, including English-speaking countries.
In some cases, Mariah may be considered a variant of the name Miriam or may be used interchangeably with it. However, there is no clear consensus on whether Mariah is simply a spelling variation of Miriam or if it has its own distinct history and meaning.
Regardless of its origins and meanings, Mariah remains a popular choice for parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their daughters. It is often associated with beauty, strength, and wisdom, qualities that have been attributed to Miriam in biblical texts and throughout Jewish tradition.
The name Mariah has seen a significant rise in popularity over the years in the United States. From 1880 to 1967, the number of babies named Mariah remained relatively low, with fewer than 30 births per year on average.
However, starting in 1968, there was a notable increase in the number of babies named Mariah. In 1973, the name reached its first peak with 135 births, and it continued to rise steadily throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
The name Mariah hit its zenith in popularity in 1991, with a staggering 5192 births that year. This was likely influenced by the rising popularity of singer Mariah Carey, who gained international fame around this time. The name remained popular throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, with over 3000 births per year on average.
However, since then, the popularity of the name Mariah has declined significantly. In recent years, the number of babies named Mariah has dropped below 1000 births per year. In 2021 and 2022, there were only 952 and 926 births respectively.
Overall, while the name Mariah was quite popular for a time in the United States, its popularity has since declined significantly. Nonetheless, it remains an enduring name with a rich history.