Mariama

“A variant of Mary, meaning 'beloved' or 'wished for'.”

African origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#3122US 2023

53Births / yr

↓Falling

1.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 197100

How to pronounce Mariama

MAH·REE·um·AH

/ˈmɑ.ˈriː.əm.ˈɑ/ · stress on MAH · 4 syllables

“A variant of Mary, meaning 'beloved' or 'wished for'.”

African origin · Girl name

What does Mariama mean and where does it come from?

Mariama is widely used in West African cultures, particularly among Muslim communities, as it is a variant of Mary. The name is revered in various cultures and religions. It is often embraced as a representation of love and respect, carrying cultural significance in many countries. Notable figures i

Cultural significance

Mariama has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in African-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variant of mary, meaning 'beloved' or 'wished for'..

Peak popularity

Reached #2322 in 2001 — currently #3122 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Mariama?

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

Mariama Grace

How popular is Mariama right now?

Declining — down 17 spots — currently #3122 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#3122 · Top 2.3%

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#3122	53	▼ down 17
2022	#3105	53	▼ down 157 · -7% births
2021	#2948	57	▼ down 241 · -7% births
2020	#2707	61	▲ up 562 · +22% births
2015	#3269	50	▼ down 242 · -11% births
2010	#3027	56	▼ down 311 · -10% births
2005	#2716	62	▼ down 29 · +13% births
2000	#2687	55	▲ up 579 · +57% births
1995	#3266	35	▲ up 3377 · +169% births
1990	#6643	13	▲ up 4803 · +160% births
1985	#11446	5	▼ down 4254 · -44% births
1980	#7192	9	▼ down 1741 · -18% births
1975	#5451	11	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Mariama

Best Year2000Rank #2687

Peak Count62

Average Rank#4429

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1975 - 202313 years

The story of Mariama

Mariama is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1971. With 1,857 total births recorded, Mariama remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5451 in 1975 to #3122 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Mariama in 2001:

Emily Madison Hannah Ashley Alexis

Mariama by decade

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

Decade	Births
1970s	116
1980s	75
1990s	374
2000s ★	634
2010s	597
2020s	61

💎With 1,857 total births, Mariama is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Mariama?

Common

MarMarieMaryAma

Famous people named Mariama

Mariama (East African historical figure)

Mariama carried this name in the rich cultural heritage of East African civilization.

Mariama (African poet or griot)

Mariama passed this name through the oral tradition of African storytelling and music.

Mariama (Pan-African activist)

Mariama used this name in the movement for African cultural pride and independence.

Mariama (modern African leader)

Mariama brought this name to international recognition in contemporary African politics and culture.

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Celebrity Names

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What names sound and feel like Mariama?

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

New Zealand · Bitterness

Makiaya

Japanese · truth, beauty, and

Common questions about the name Mariama

What does the name Mariama mean?

Mariama means "A variant of Mary, meaning 'beloved' or 'wished for'." — a name rooted in African 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 Mariama?

Mariama is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Mariama?

Mariama originates from African tradition. African 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 Mariama?

Mariama is a four-syllable name pronounced M AA1 R IY1 AH0 M 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 Mariama?

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