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Origin and meaning of the name Mara

What is the origin of the name Mara?

The origin of the female given name Mara is multifaceted as it appears in various cultures and languages with different meanings. Here are some possible origins and interpretations: 1. Hebrew: The name Mara may have originated from the Hebrew language, where it means "bitter" or "rebellious". In the Bible, there is a woman named Miriam (Mara in some translations), the sister of Moses and Aaron. 2. Latin: Mara comes from the Latin name Maria, which is derived from the Hebrew Mary. The Latin form was used as an independent name in Christian Europe during the Middle Ages. It is also the feminine form of Marcus in Latin, meaning "dedicated to Mars" (the Roman god of war). 3. Celtic: In the Celtic language, Mara can mean "sea" or "lady of the sea". This association may be connected to various sea goddesses such as Mór-ríoghain (Morrigān) in Irish mythology. 4. Basque: The Basque name Mari is a diminutive form of Maria, and it has been shortened over time to Mara in some regions. In the Basque language, Mari means "drop of dew" or "drop of sea." 5. Aramaic: A less common origin suggests that Mara comes from the Aramaic name Mariam, a feminine form of Miriam (Moses' sister). However, this is more closely associated with the name Mary, rather than the modern spelling of Mara. 6. Finnish: The Finnish name Maria has been shortened to Maija or Mira in some cases, which can lead to the modern variation Mari/Mara. In Finland, Mari/Mara is a popular given name.

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Learn more about the origin of the name Mara

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Mara

The name Mara is a female given name with origins rooted in various cultures. In Hebrew, Mara means "bitter" or "rebellious". It is also found in Aramaic, where it signifies "lady" or "young girl". The name has been used in the Bible for several women, including Miriam, the sister of Moses.

In Romanian and Spanish-speaking countries, Mara can be a shortened version of names such as Maria or Ramona. In Finnish, Marja or Maja are more common variations of Mara, which mean "pear tree" or "gently shining one". The name has also been used in Scandinavian countries, where it is a variation of the name Margareta, derived from the Latin Margarita, meaning "pearl". Despite its diverse origins and meanings, Mara remains a popular and enduring name across numerous cultures.

Character traits associated with the name Mara

Mara is often characterized by a strong sense of independence and resilience, demonstrating an innate ability to navigate through life's challenges with tenacity. She is known for her intelligence, using her sharp mind to solve problems effectively and efficiently. Empathy is also a defining trait of Mara, as she naturally connects with others and displays a deep understanding of their emotions. Her creativity often shines in various aspects of her life, whether it be through artistic expression or innovative problem-solving. A natural leader, Mara inspires those around her to aim high and strive for greatness. She possesses a keen sense of intuition, making her an effective decision-maker in both personal and professional settings. Overall, the name Mara is synonymous with intelligence, resilience, empathy, creativity, leadership, and intuition.

Popularity of the name Mara

The name Mara, of Spanish and Portuguese origin meaning "bitter" or "rebellious", has been steadily gaining popularity across various parts of the world. In the United States, it ranks among the top 1000 baby names for both genders, with a slight female predominance. Its popularity peaked in 2008 when it was ranked 475th for girls. In Europe, particularly Spain and Portugal, Mara is more common as a feminine name and is often associated with strong and independent personalities. The name also appears in other languages such as Hebrew, where it means "drop of dew" or "bitterness", adding to its global appeal. Overall, the name Mara embodies a balance between tradition and modernity, making it a favorite choice for many parents seeking unique yet timeless names for their children.

Famous people with the name Mara

Mara is a name that has been associated with numerous prominent figures across various fields. In cinema, Mara Wilson, best known for her role as Matilda Wormwood in the 1996 film "Matilda," and Mara Yeager-Cotton, a child actress who appeared in films like "E.T." and "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," have left lasting impressions. In music, Marianne Faithfull, an English singer and actress who rose to fame as a countercultural icon in the 1960s, and Mara Hruby, an American musician, songwriter, and producer, are significant figures. Politically, María de Jesús Patricio Martínez, better known as Marichuy, is an indigenous activist from Mexico who ran for presidency under the Zapatista political framework. In science, Mary Anne Radmacher, also known as Mara Freeman, is an American author and artist who is recognized for her work on personal development and spirituality. In literature, Marjorie "Mara" Schiowitz, a character from Neil Gaiman's "The Sandman," has become a beloved figure in graphic novels. These individuals, each excelling in their respective domains, are all connected by the name Mara.

Variations of the name Mara

The name Mara is popular across various cultures and languages, having multiple variants. In English-speaking countries, it is often spelled as "Mara." However, there are several alternate spellings that may be found within different linguistic backgrounds. For example, in Italian and Romanian, the name can be written as "Mara" as well. In Spanish, it can appear as "Marea," which means tide or ebb tide, emphasizing the watery origin of this name. Another variation is "Mariya," a form commonly used in Eastern European countries like Russia and Bulgaria, where it is derived from Mary, the Virgin Mother in Christian faith. Additionally, there exists a shorter version, "Marica" or "Maritza," found primarily within Slavic cultures. These variations highlight the versatility and international appeal of the name Mara.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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