Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Mariah
GirlHebrew, Latin· “form of Maria, meaning uncertain”
- Meaning
- form of Maria, meaning uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Hebrew, Latin
- Pronunciation
- muh-RY-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #448
- US babies 2025
- 693
- Best rank
- #62 (1998)
- Peak year
- 1996
Meaning and origin of Mariah
Mariah is often said to mean “form of Maria, meaning uncertain”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew and Latin roots.
Mariah is an elaborated form of Maria, the Latin version of the Hebrew Miriam, the name borne in the Bible by the sister of Moses and, in its Greek form, by Mary the mother of Jesus. The original meaning of Miriam is uncertain; suggestions include "bitter," "beloved" and "wished-for child," but none is agreed. The pronunciation with a long "eye" sound became familiar through the song "They Call the Wind Maria" and later through the singer Mariah Carey. Mariah feels both classic and contemporary, a gentle twist on one of the oldest names in Christian tradition. Ria and Mia are simple short forms.
Popularity over time
Mariah has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 84 different years. Its best national rank was #62 in 1998, and the most babies received it in 1996, when 5,446 were named Mariah. In 2025, 693 babies were named Mariah, and it ranked #448 nationally. That is 67% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,249 in 1920, #2,625 in 1950, #513 in 1980, #75 in 2000, #97 in 2010, and #448 in 2025. Of the 115,096 US girls named Mariah since records began, 39% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 35,684 babies. Since 2010, 27,698 more have been named Mariah.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Sabrina, Miranda, Cheyenne, Breanna, and Brooke.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Mariah ranked highest in Delaware, Alabama, and Louisiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | #205 | 5 |
| Alabama | #230 | 21 |
| Louisiana | #287 | 16 |
| Georgia | #301 | 35 |
| Mississippi | #327 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Mariah is usually pronounced muh-RY-uh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Mariah
A few middle names that flow with Mariah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Mariah
Similar names
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rih-BEHK-uh
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joh-AN-uh
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a-zuh-RY-uh
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huh-DAH-suh
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Deborah Girl
DEB-er-uh
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kuh-ZY-uh
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zih-POR-uh
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Delilah Girl
dih-LY-luh
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Aliyah Girl
uh-LEE-uh
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Devorah Girl
deh-VOR-uh
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Hannah Girl
HA-nuh
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Leah Girl
LEE-uh
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Lists that include Mariah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mariah mean?
Mariah is often said to mean “form of Maria, meaning uncertain”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew and Latin roots.
What is the origin of the name Mariah?
Mariah has Hebrew and Latin roots. Mariah is an elaborated form of Maria, the Latin version of the Hebrew Miriam, the name borne in the Bible by the sister of Moses and, in its Greek form, by Mary the mother of Jesus.
Is Mariah a popular name?
Yes. Mariah ranked #448 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Mariah a boy or girl name?
Mariah is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Mariah?
Mariah is usually pronounced muh-RY-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings