What does Marah mean and where does it come from?
Marah is derived from Hebrew (מָרָה), where it means 'bitter' or ‘bitterness’. The name is noted for its biblical reference: it refers to a location mentioned in the Book of Exodus, where the waters were 'bitter'. As a name, it has a somber connotation, often chosen for its depth and significance. I
Cultural significance
Marah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bitter.
Peak popularity
Reached #1451 in 1991 — currently #6728 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Marah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Marah?
Marah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Marah Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Marah Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Marah Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Marah Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Marah Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Marah Rose
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Marah right now?
Falling — down 2858 spots — currently #6728 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #6728 | 17 | ▼ down 2858 · -56% births |
| 2024 | #3870 | 39 | ▲ up 547 · +22% births |
| 2023 | #4417 | 32 | ▲ up 1154 · +39% births |
| 2022 | #5571 | 23 | ▼ down 533 · -12% births |
| 2021 | #5038 | 26 | ▲ up 639 · +24% births |
| 2020 | #5677 | 21 | ▼ down 1435 · -38% births |
| 2015 | #4242 | 34 | ▼ down 812 · -28% births |
| 2010 | #3430 | 47 | ▼ down 943 · -33% births |
| 2005 | #2487 | 70 | ▼ down 372 · -9% births |
| 2000 | #2115 | 77 | ▼ down 72 · +15% births |
| 1995 | #2043 | 67 | ▼ down 583 · -37% births |
| 1990 | #1460 | 107 | ▲ up 4406 · +792% births |
| 1985 | #5866 | 12 | ▼ down 964 · -20% births |
| 1980 | #4902 | 15 | ▲ up 1389 · +67% births |
| 1975 | #6291 | 9 | — |
The story of Marah
Marah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1964. With 2,228 total births recorded, Marah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6238 in 1970 to #4417 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Marah in 1991:
Marah by decade
Marah peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 16 | |
| 1970s | 88 | |
| 1980s | 258 | |
| 1990s | 747 | |
| 2000s ★ | 770 | |
| 2010s | 328 | |
| 2020s | 77 | |
💎With 2,228 total births, Marah is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Marah?
Famous people named Marah
M(
Marah (historical figure)
Marah bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Marah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marah also consider these
Common questions about the name Marah
What does the name Marah mean?
Marah 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 Marah?
Marah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Marah have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Marah?
Marah 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 Marah?
Marah is a two-syllable name pronounced MAH-RAH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Marah trending right now?
Marah is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.