Mara is a name with a rich history and diverse meanings across different cultures and languages. In Hebrew, it means “bitter,” while in Latin, it means “of the sea.” The name’s significance has evolved over time, and it has become a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their baby girl.
Mara has been used in different languages, including Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Greek, and Kiswahili. In Arabic, it means “joy,” and it can be a unisex name. The name is also a variant of other popular names such as Mary, Marianna, Maria, and Tamara. Mara has a deep historical significance, appearing in the Bible as a place name where Moses led the Israelites after marching through the desert for three days.
Despite its ancient roots, Mara remains a popular name choice for parents today. Many famous people bear the name, including actresses Rooney Mara and Kate Mara. The name’s variations, such as Maira and Marah, offer parents more options to customize the name to their liking. In this article, we will explore the different meanings and origins of the name Mara and its popularity across different cultures and time periods.
Key Takeaways
- Mara has diverse meanings across different cultures and languages, including “bitter” in Hebrew and “of the sea” in Latin.
- The name has a rich historical significance, appearing in the Bible as a place name where Moses led the Israelites after marching through the desert for three days.
- Mara remains a popular name choice for parents today, with famous people such as actresses Rooney Mara and Kate Mara bearing the name.
Mara in Different Languages
Mara in Hebrew
Mara is a Hebrew name that means “bitter”. It first appears in the Old Testament, in the book of Exodus and the book of Ruth. The name is often associated with the biblical figure Naomi, who changed her name to Mara after experiencing great sorrow and loss. In modern Hebrew, the name is pronounced “MAH-rah”.
Mara in Latin
In Latin, Mara means “of the sea”. The name is often associated with the Virgin Mary, who is sometimes referred to as “Stella Maris” or “Star of the Sea”. Mara is also a geographical name, referring to a river that flows through Kenya and Tanzania. In Latin, the name is pronounced “MAH-rah”.
Mara in Slavic
Mara is a Slavic name that is derived from the name Mary. In Slavic mythology, Mara is a goddess associated with dreams and nightmares. The name is also used as a diminutive form of other Slavic names, such as Mariana or Marija. In Slavic languages, the name is pronounced “MAH-rah”.
Overall, Mara is a multicultural name that has different meanings and associations in different languages and cultures. Whether you choose to name your child Mara because of its biblical significance, its association with the sea, or its Slavic roots, it is a beautiful and meaningful name that has stood the test of time.
Historical Significance of Mara
The name Mara has a rich historical significance, with its roots tracing back to the Hebrew language. In the Bible, Naomi, the mother-in-law of Ruth, adopted the name Mara as an expression of her grief after the deaths of her husband and sons. The name Mara means “bitter” in Hebrew, which reflects the pain and sorrow that Naomi experienced.
Aside from its biblical significance, the name Mara has also been used in various cultures throughout history. In Kiswahili, Mara means “spotted land,” while in Latin, it means “of the sea.” The name has also been used in Aramaic, where it means “Lady” and is a title of bishops in the Syriac Church.
In modern times, the name Mara has gained popularity as a baby name, with parents drawn to its unique sound and rich history. It has also been used in literature and popular culture, with characters such as Mara Jade in the Star Wars franchise and Mara Wilson, the child actress who starred in films such as Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire.
Overall, the name Mara has a rich and varied historical significance, with its roots tracing back to ancient Hebrew and its usage spreading across different cultures and time periods. Whether used as a baby name or in literature and popular culture, Mara continues to be a name with enduring appeal and significance.
Popularity of Mara
Mara is a name that has been gaining popularity in recent years. According to the Social Security Administration, Mara was ranked as the 1,215th most popular name for baby girls born in the United States in 2022. This represents a significant increase in popularity from previous years.
One reason for the rise in popularity of the name Mara may be its simplicity and uniqueness. Mara is a short and sweet name that is easy to pronounce and spell, yet it is not overly common. This makes it a great choice for parents who want their child to have a name that stands out without being too unusual.
Another possible factor contributing to the popularity of Mara is its biblical roots. Mara is mentioned in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament as the name that Naomi takes for herself after the deaths of her husband and sons. This connection to the Bible may make the name more meaningful for some parents.
In addition, Mara has a variety of different meanings depending on the language and culture. In Hebrew, Mara means “bitter,” while in Latin it means “of the sea.” This versatility may make the name more appealing to parents who are looking for a name with multiple layers of meaning.
Overall, the popularity of Mara is on the rise, and it is easy to see why. With its simplicity, uniqueness, and biblical roots, Mara is a name that is both beautiful and meaningful.
Famous People Named Mara
The name Mara has been given to several famous people throughout history. Here are some notable individuals with the name Mara:
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Mara Wilson: Mara Elizabeth Wilson is an American actress, writer, and playwright. She is best known for her role as Matilda Wormwood in the 1996 film “Matilda”. Wilson has also appeared in other films such as “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Miracle on 34th Street”.
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Mara Corday: Mara Corday is a retired American film actress and model. She appeared in several films during the 1950s, including “Tarantula” and “The Giant Claw”. Corday was also a Playboy Playmate of the Month in October 1958.
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Mara Darmousli: Mara Darmousli is a Greek fashion model and beauty pageant titleholder. She was crowned Miss Greece 2010 and represented Greece at the Miss Universe 2010 pageant.
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Mara Schiavocampo: Mara Schiavocampo is an American journalist and author. She has worked as a correspondent for NBC News, MSNBC, and ABC News. Schiavocampo is also the author of the book “Thinspired: How I Lost 90 Pounds – My Plan for Lasting Weight Loss and Self-Acceptance”.
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Mara Brock Akil: Mara Brock Akil is an American television writer and producer. She is best known for creating and producing several successful TV shows, including “Girlfriends”, “The Game”, and “Being Mary Jane”.
Overall, these famous Maras have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have helped to bring attention to the name Mara.
Variations of Mara
Mara is a name with a few variations that are worth exploring. Here are some of the most common variations of Mara:
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Marah: This variation of Mara is a popular choice for parents who want to give a unique twist to their child’s name. The name Marah is of Hebrew origin and means “bitter”.
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Mari: Mari is a short and sweet variation of Mara. It is a popular choice in countries like Finland and Estonia. The name Mari is of Finnish origin and means “pearl”.
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Maíri: This variation of Mara is of Irish origin and means “bitter”. It is a unique and uncommon name that is perfect for parents who want to give their child a name that stands out from the crowd.
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Maj: Maj is a Scandinavian variation of Mara. It is a popular choice in countries like Sweden and Norway. The name Maj is of Swedish origin and means “pearl”.
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Moira: Moira is a Greek variation of Mara. It is a popular choice in countries like Ireland and Scotland. The name Moira is of Greek origin and means “fate” or “destiny”.
All of these variations of Mara have their own unique meanings and origins. Parents who are considering the name Mara for their child may want to explore these variations to find the perfect name for their little one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the name Mara has a rich history and meaning. Mara is a Hebrew name that means “bitter,” which can be seen as a negative connotation. However, it can also symbolize strength and resilience. In Latin, it means “of the sea,” which can represent a sense of adventure and exploration. In Kiswahili, it means “spotted land,” which can symbolize diversity and uniqueness.
Mara is a popular name for baby girls, ranking at #540 in the US. It is a multicultural name that can be found in various cultures and regions around the world. Mara Wilson, a child actress, is a famous bearer of the name.
Parents who are considering the name Mara for their baby girl should keep in mind its various meanings and origins. It is a name that can represent different qualities and characteristics, depending on the interpretation. Ultimately, the decision to choose the name Mara should be based on personal preference and significance.