Miriam

Meaning: uncertain; perhaps 'beloved' or 'bitter' · Origin: Hebrew · Gender: usually a girl's name

Origin & history

The original Hebrew form of Mary. In the Bible Miriam is the sister of Moses who sang after the crossing of the Red Sea.

Famous people named Miriam

Miriam Makeba (singer)

Nicknames

Miri, Mimi

Variants & related names

Maryam, Mariam, Myriam

Miriam name art

A free preview of a printable “Miriam” poster with its meaning — great for a nursery, a birthday or a gift.

Instant download, no subscription. Not printed or shipped — you get a high-resolution PNG to print at home or at a print shop.

FAQ

What does the name Miriam mean?

Miriam means “uncertain; perhaps 'beloved' or 'bitter'”. It comes from Hebrew.

Is Miriam a popular name?

Yes — Miriam has been one of the most popular girls' names in the United States in the 2020s, according to US Social Security Administration baby-name data.

What are nicknames for Miriam?

Miri, Mimi.

What are other forms of Miriam?

Maryam, Mariam, Myriam.

Similar names

Elizabeth · Abigail · Naomi · Delilah · Leah · Hannah

More: names starting with M · all girls' names

Sources: standard name etymology references (e.g. Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names); popularity from US SSA and UK ONS baby-name data. Meanings of old names are often debated — where scholars disagree we say so.