Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Mariam
GirlAramaic, Arabic· “uncertain; form of Miriam”
- Meaning
- uncertain; form of Miriam (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Aramaic, Arabic
- Pronunciation
- MAIR-ee-uhm
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #505
- US babies 2025
- 589
- Best rank
- #491 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Mariam
Mariam is often said to mean “uncertain; form of Miriam”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Aramaic and Arabic roots.
Mariam is an Aramaic and Greek form of Miriam, the Hebrew name that also gave rise to Mary. The meaning of Miriam is uncertain: suggestions include bitter, beloved and wished-for child, and some scholars propose an Egyptian source. In the Greek New Testament, Mariam is one of the forms used for Mary, the mother of Jesus. The name is used widely in Arabic-speaking and Armenian communities and across the Christian and Muslim worlds. It is gentle and timeless. Maryam and Miriam are related spellings, and Mari is a possible nickname.
Popularity over time
Mariam first appears in US Social Security records in 1882. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 50 different years, starting in 1882. Its best national rank was #491 in 2024, the same year it reached its highest count of 623 babies. In 2025, 589 babies were named Mariam, and it ranked #505 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #870 in 1920, #1,891 in 1950, #1,430 in 1980, #682 in 2000, #619 in 2010, and #505 in 2025. Of the 18,555 US girls named Mariam since records began, 28% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 4,085 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Halo, Winnie, Arlette, Romina, and Solana.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Mariam ranked highest in Michigan, New York, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | #147 | 57 |
| New York | #238 | 73 |
| New Jersey | #310 | 27 |
| Ohio | #312 | 36 |
| Virginia | #314 | 27 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Mariam is usually pronounced MAIR-ee-uhm, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-am”.
Middle names for Mariam
A few middle names that flow with Mariam: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Mariam
Similar names
Maryam Girl
MAIR-ee-uhm
“uncertain; form of Miriam” · Arabic
#351
Miriam Girl
MEER-ee-uhm
“uncertain; possibly beloved or wished for” · Hebrew
#246
Aaliyah Girl
ah-LEE-uh
“exalted, sublime” · Arabic
#101
Aliyah Girl
uh-LEE-uh
“exalted; ascent” · Arabic
#263
Malia Girl
muh-LEE-uh
“Hawaiian form of Mary” · Hawaiian
#349
Fatima Girl
FAH-tih-muh
“one who weans; abstaining” · Arabic
#330
Amira Girl
uh-MEER-uh
“princess; commander” · Arabic
#132
Kamila Girl
kuh-MEE-luh
“perfect, complete” · Arabic
#357
Samara Girl
suh-MAHR-uh
Hebrew
#320
Amina Girl
ah-MEE-nuh
“trustworthy, faithful” · Arabic
#315
Azariah Unisex
a-zuh-RY-uh
“Yahweh has helped” · Hebrew
#630
Amani Girl
ah-MAH-nee
“peace” · Swahili
#678
Lists that include Mariam
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mariam mean?
Mariam is often said to mean “uncertain; form of Miriam”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Aramaic and Arabic roots.
What is the origin of the name Mariam?
Mariam has Aramaic, Arabic, and Hebrew roots. Mariam is an Aramaic and Greek form of Miriam, the Hebrew name that also gave rise to Mary.
Is Mariam a popular name?
Yes. Mariam ranked #505 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Mariam a boy or girl name?
Mariam is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Mariam?
Mariam is usually pronounced MAIR-ee-uhm. 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