What does Moriah mean and where does it come from?
Moriah (מוֹרִיָּה) is a biblical place name, notably featured in the story of Abraham and Isaac in the Old Testament. The name is often interpreted to mean 'the land of the vision' or 'the chosen land.' It can be associated with strength and destiny. The name has biblical significance and is sometim
Cultural significance
Moriah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the chosen land.
Peak popularity
Reached #478 in 1992 — currently #1093 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Moriah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Moriah?
Moriah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Moriah Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Moriah Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Moriah Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Moriah Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Moriah Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Moriah Rose
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Moriah right now?
Rising fast — up 119 spots — currently #1093 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1093 | 221 | ▲ up 119 · +13% births |
| 2024 | #1212 | 196 | ▼ down 178 · -20% births |
| 2023 | #1034 | 245 | ▲ up 288 · +38% births |
| 2022 | #1322 | 178 | ▼ down 49 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #1273 | 182 | ▼ down 81 · -5% births |
| 2020 | #1192 | 192 | ▼ down 220 · -31% births |
| 2015 | #972 | 278 | ▼ down 199 · -22% births |
| 2010 | #773 | 355 | ▲ up 70 · +18% births |
| 2005 | #843 | 301 | ▼ down 168 · -16% births |
| 2000 | #675 | 358 | ▼ down 195 · -31% births |
| 1995 | #480 | 516 | ▲ up 317 · +105% births |
| 1990 | #797 | 252 | ▲ up 460 · +131% births |
| 1985 | #1257 | 109 | ▲ up 282 · +42% births |
| 1980 | #1539 | 77 | ▲ up 814 · +120% births |
| 1975 | #2353 | 35 | — |
The story of Moriah
Moriah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1968. A total of 12,465 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4232 in 1970 to #1034 in 2023. Moriah is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Moriah in 1992:
Moriah by decade
Moriah peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 8 | |
| 1970s | 477 | |
| 1980s | 1,178 | |
| 1990s ★ | 4,627 | |
| 2000s | 3,220 | |
| 2010s | 2,763 | |
| 2020s | 609 | |
What are good nicknames for Moriah?
Famous people named Moriah
M(
Moriah (historical figure)
Moriah 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 Moriah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Moriah also consider these
How is Moriah written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Moriah
What does the name Moriah mean?
Moriah means "The chosen land" — 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 Moriah?
Moriah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Moriah have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Moriah?
Moriah 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 Moriah?
Moriah is a three-syllable name pronounced MAW-ree-AH. 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 Moriah?
Moriah 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.