What does Mara mean and where does it come from?
Mara (Hebrew: מָרָא) is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'bitter'. The name appears in the Hebrew Bible in the Book of Ruth, where Naomi adopts the name Mara after experiencing great loss. Despite its somber meaning, Mora has been embraced in various cultures. It is also considered a diminutive form of the
Cultural significance
Mara has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bitter.
Peak popularity
Reached #539 in 1990 — currently #589 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Mara?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Mara?
Mara works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mara Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Mara Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Mara Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Mara Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Mara Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Mara Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Mara right now?
Holding steady — currently #589 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #589 | 499 | stable · -3% births |
| 2024 | #589 | 515 | ▼ down 7 |
| 2023 | #582 | 515 | ▲ up 38 · +8% births |
| 2022 | #620 | 478 | ▼ down 80 · -16% births |
| 2021 | #540 | 568 | ▲ up 86 · +23% births |
| 2020 | #626 | 460 | ▲ up 112 · +21% births |
| 2015 | #738 | 381 | ▲ up 128 · +24% births |
| 2010 | #866 | 308 | ▼ down 196 · -26% births |
| 2005 | #670 | 415 | ▼ down 65 · -1% births |
| 2000 | #605 | 418 | ▲ up 19 · +19% births |
| 1995 | #624 | 350 | ▼ down 85 · -21% births |
| 1990 | #539 | 442 | ▲ up 270 · +118% births |
| 1985 | #809 | 203 | ▼ down 136 · -22% births |
| 1980 | #673 | 261 | ▼ down 27 · +10% births |
| 1975 | #646 | 237 | — |
The story of Mara
Mara has been a beloved American name for over 132 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1892. A total of 21,453 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3526 in 1915 to #582 in 2023. Mara is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Mara in 1990:
Mara by decade
Mara peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 6 | |
| 1910s | 67 | |
| 1920s | 130 | |
| 1930s | 145 | |
| 1940s | 326 | |
| 1950s | 1,414 | |
| 1960s | 1,943 | |
| 1970s | 2,565 | |
| 1980s | 2,639 | |
| 1990s | 3,887 | |
| 2000s ★ | 4,036 | |
| 2010s | 3,835 | |
| 2020s | 1,474 | |
What are good nicknames for Mara?
Famous people named Mara
M(
Mara (historical community leader)
Mara led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
M(
Mara (historical figure)
Mara bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Mara?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mara also consider these
Common questions about the name Mara
What does the name Mara mean?
Mara means "bitter" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Mara?
Mara is currently ranked #582 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Mara have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Mara?
Mara originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Mara?
Mara is a two-syllable name pronounced MAH-ruh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Mara trending right now?
Mara is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.