Everything about the name MIRRIAM

Meaning, origin, history

Miriam is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness." It is derived from the Hebrew word "yamar," which means "sea." In the Bible, Miriam is the sister of Moses and Aaron, who stood up against the Egyptians' oppression of the Israelites. Thus, the name Miriam has strong associations with strength, courage, and rebellion against injustice.

The name Miriam first appears in the Book of Exodus in the Old Testament of the Bible. Miriam is described as a prophetess who played a crucial role in her brother Moses's life. She watched over him when he was an infant and later sang a song of praise with other women after God delivered the Israelites from Egypt through the Red Sea.

The name Miriam has been used throughout history, with notable figures bearing this name, including the 19th-century French mathematician Émilie du Châtelet, who translated Newton's works into French, and Miriam Makeba, a South African anti-apartheid activist and musician. The name Miriam has also gained popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and historical significance.

In some cultures, Miriam is considered a derivation of Mary, with both names sharing the same meaning of "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness." However, while Miriam is associated with strength and courage in Hebrew tradition, Mary is more commonly linked with love, compassion, and motherhood. Despite these differences, both names carry powerful meanings that have resonated with people throughout history.

In conclusion, the name Miriam has a rich history and significant meaning rooted in Hebrew culture and biblical traditions. Its unique sound and strong associations with strength, courage, and rebellion against injustice make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.

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Popularity of the name MIRRIAM since 1880

Birth evolution

Popularity analysis

The name Miriam has been given to a total of 196 babies born in the United States between the years of 1917 and 2013. The number of births per year varies significantly, with some years seeing as many as 11 babies named Miriam (in 1923) and other years only seeing 5 babies named Miriam (which was the case for several years including 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1941, 1948, 1959, 1962, and 2013).

The most popular years for the name Miriam were in the late 1910s and early 1920s, with a peak of 11 births in 1923. After that period, the number of babies named Miriam began to decline, with only a few years in the 1970s and 1980s seeing more than 5 births.

Despite the fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Miriam has remained a relatively uncommon choice for parents in the United States.

Variations of the Name MIRRIAM