Myriam is a beautiful and unique feminine given name of Hebrew origin. Its meaning is deeply rooted in the Bible, as it was the name of Moses' sister who played a crucial role in the story of baby Moses being found by Pharaoh's daughter.
In Hebrew, Myriam is written as מִרְיָם and it means "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness." This interpretation comes from the Hebrew words "meri" (bitter) and "yam" (sea). However, some believe that the name may have been derived from an Egyptian root meaning "beloved," as it was also a popular name among ancient Egyptians.
Throughout history, Myriam has been associated with strength, courage, and independence. In the Bible, Miriam is depicted as a brave woman who stood up against injustice and fought for her brother's life. This image of Miriam as a strong and determined figure has influenced the way this name has been perceived throughout different cultures and eras.
Today, Myriam remains a popular choice among parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughters. It is often shortened to Miria or Miri, but it also lends itself well to creative nicknames such as Myra or Rimma.
Overall, the name Myriam carries a rich history and profound meaning that continues to captivate people today. Its unique origin story and powerful associations make it an excellent choice for parents who wish to give their daughter a name that is both beautiful and significant.
The name Myriam has been present in the United States for over a century, with the first recorded birth in 1912. From then until now, it has seen varying degrees of popularity.
In the early decades of the 20th century, the name was not particularly common, with fewer than ten births per year occurring between 1912 and 1938. However, starting from 1949, there was a noticeable increase in its usage, with 10 births recorded that year.
The peak of popularity for the name Myriam came in the early to mid-2000s. In 2002, there were 83 births, and this number more than doubled to 115 births in 2003, marking the highest point on record. The following years saw a steady decline from these peaks, but the name remained relatively common throughout the decade.
More recently, the popularity of Myriam has seen fluctuations. There were 48 births recorded in 2018, dropping to 29 in 2020, before rising again to 39 in 2021 and 38 in 2022. As of 2023, there have been 34 births recorded so far this year.
Overall, over the course of more than a century, there have been a total of 3102 births named Myriam in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name may not have always been extremely popular, it has maintained a consistent presence and continues to be chosen by parents for their daughters today.