Maraya

“bitter”

Hebrew origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#5877US 2023

21Births / yr

↑Rising

833All-time births

📅 Since 197700

How to pronounce Maraya

MAH·ruy·AH

/ˈmɑ.rəj.ˈɑ/ · stress on MAH · 3 syllables

“bitter”

Hebrew origin · Girl name

What does Maraya mean and where does it come from?

Maraya is derived from the name María, which has Hebrew origins and means 'bitter' or 'wished for child.' It is also often interpreted as 'beloved' in Spanish. The name has been used in various cultures, with significant popularity in Spanish-speaking countries. The name's association with religious

Cultural significance

Maraya has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bitter.

Peak popularity

Reached #2963 in 2006 — currently #5877 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Maraya?

Maraya works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Maraya Grace

How popular is Maraya right now?

Rising fast — up 2973 spots — currently #5877 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#5877 · Top 4.3%

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#5877	21	▲ up 2973 · +75% births
2022	#8850	12	▼ down 4160 · -59% births
2021	#4690	29	▲ up 3354 · +123% births
2020	#8044	13	▼ down 981 · -24% births
2015	#7063	17	▼ down 2020 · -39% births
2010	#5043	28	▼ down 1134 · -24% births
2005	#3909	37	▼ down 273 · +3% births
2000	#3636	36	▲ up 1318 · +80% births
1995	#4954	20	▲ up 1777 · +54% births
1990	#6731	13	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Maraya

Best Year2000Rank #3636

Peak Count37

Average Rank#5880

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1990 - 202310 years

The story of Maraya

Maraya is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1977. With 833 total births recorded, Maraya remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6731 in 1990 to #5877 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Maraya in 2006:

Emily Emma Madison Isabella Ava

Maraya by decade

Maraya peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	11
1980s	17
1990s	196
2000s ★	395
2010s	201
2020s	13

💎Maraya has only 833 total recorded births since 1977 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Maraya?

Common

MarMarieMaryAya

Famous people named Maraya

Maraya (historical figure)

Maraya bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.

Maraya (historical community leader)

Maraya led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.

👑

Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Maraya?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maraya also consider these

Markaya

American · Refers to a

Marlaya

American · Derived from the

Manaya

India · Sanskrit

Malaya

Philippines · Tagalog

Common questions about the name Maraya

What does the name Maraya mean?

Maraya 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 Maraya?

Maraya is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Maraya have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Maraya?

Maraya 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 Maraya?

Maraya is a three-syllable name pronounced M AA1 R AH0 Y AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Maraya?

Maraya pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.