Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Maryam
GirlArabic, Aramaic· “uncertain; form of Miriam”
- Meaning
- uncertain; form of Miriam (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Arabic, Aramaic
- Pronunciation
- MAIR-ee-uhm
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #351
- US babies 2025
- 869
- Best rank
- #351 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Maryam
Maryam is often said to mean “uncertain; form of Miriam”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Arabic and Aramaic roots.
Maryam is the Arabic and Persian form of Miriam, the Hebrew name that also gave rise to Mary. The meaning is uncertain: suggestions include bitter, beloved and wished-for child, and some scholars suggest an Egyptian source. Maryam is the mother of Jesus in the Quran, where a chapter bears her name, and she is highly honored in Islam. The name is used widely in Muslim communities around the world and in Syriac Christian traditions. It is gentle and timeless. Mariam and Miriam are related spellings, and Mimi is a possible nickname.
Popularity over time
Maryam first appears in US Social Security records in 1946. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 22 different years, starting in 2000. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #351, and its highest count, 869 babies. Use has grown 60% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #1,822 in 1980, #923 in 2000, #790 in 2010, and #351 in 2025. Of the 13,845 US girls named Maryam since records began, 36% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 4,304 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Elora, Wrenlee, Helena, Matilda, and Adhara.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Maryam ranked highest in New York, Illinois, and Michigan.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New York | #109 | 139 |
| Illinois | #167 | 60 |
| Michigan | #178 | 49 |
| Pennsylvania | #191 | 60 |
| Virginia | #232 | 35 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Maryam is usually pronounced MAIR-ee-uhm, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-am”.
Middle names for Maryam
A few middle names that flow with Maryam: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Maryam
Similar names
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Lists that include Maryam
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Maryam mean?
Maryam is often said to mean “uncertain; form of Miriam”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Arabic and Aramaic roots.
What is the origin of the name Maryam?
Maryam has Arabic, Aramaic, and Hebrew roots. Maryam is the Arabic and Persian form of Miriam, the Hebrew name that also gave rise to Mary.
Is Maryam a popular name?
Yes. Maryam ranked #351 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Maryam a boy or girl name?
Maryam is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Maryam?
Maryam 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