Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Miriam
GirlHebrew, Egyptian· “uncertain; possibly beloved or wished for”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly beloved or wished for (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Hebrew, Egyptian
- Pronunciation
- MEER-ee-uhm
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #246
- US babies 2025
- 1,262
- Best rank
- #134 (1917)
- Peak year
- 1924
Meaning and origin of Miriam
Miriam is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly beloved or wished for”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew and Egyptian roots.
Miriam comes from the Hebrew Miryam, the name of the sister of Moses and Aaron in the Book of Exodus, who leads the women in song after the crossing of the Red Sea. Its meaning is uncertain. Suggestions include bitterness, rebellion and wished-for child, while some scholars link it to an Egyptian word for beloved. Miriam is also the root of Mary, which reached Europe through the Greek and Latin forms Mariam and Maria. The name has long been cherished in Jewish families and has a dignified, timeless quality. Mimi and Miri are affectionate short forms.
Other spellings with the same sound: Myriam.
Popularity over time
Miriam 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 146 different years. Its best national rank was #134 in 1917, and the most babies received it in 1924, when 1,834 were named Miriam. In 2025, 1,262 babies were named Miriam, and it ranked #246 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #140 in 1920, #264 in 1950, #310 in 1980, #278 in 2000, #300 in 2010, and #246 in 2025. Of the 117,910 US girls named Miriam since records began, 13% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 11,356 babies. Since 2010, 18,261 more have been named Miriam.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Bette, Rosa, Antoinette, Bettie, and Geneva.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Miriam ranked highest in New Jersey, New York, and Vermont.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #29 | 173 |
| New York | #40 | 284 |
| Vermont | #93 | 5 |
| Indiana | #170 | 41 |
| Ohio | #215 | 54 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Miriam is usually pronounced MEER-ee-uhm, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-am”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Myriam.
Middle names for Miriam
A few middle names that flow with Miriam: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Miriam
Similar names
Mariam Girl
MAIR-ee-uhm
“uncertain; form of Miriam” · Aramaic
#505
Mariah Girl
muh-RY-uh
“form of Maria, meaning uncertain” · Hebrew
#448
Ariel Unisex
EH-ree-uhl
“lion of God” · Hebrew
#356
Rebecca Girl
ruh-BEH-kuh
“possibly to bind” · Hebrew
#350
Joanna Girl
joh-AN-uh
“God is gracious” · Latin
#306
Malia Girl
muh-LEE-uh
“Hawaiian form of Mary” · Hawaiian
#349
Madeleine Girl
MAD-uh-lin
“woman from Magdala” · French
#455
Azariah Unisex
a-zuh-RY-uh
“Yahweh has helped” · Hebrew
#630
Rebekah Girl
rih-BEHK-uh
“to tie, bind” · Hebrew
#884
Elisha Unisex
ih-LY-shuh
“my God is salvation” · Hebrew
#789
Hadassah Girl
huh-DAH-suh
“myrtle” · Hebrew
#570
Deborah Girl
DEB-er-uh
“bee” · Hebrew
#864
Lists that include Miriam
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Miriam mean?
Miriam is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly beloved or wished for”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew and Egyptian roots.
What is the origin of the name Miriam?
Miriam has Hebrew and Egyptian roots. Miriam comes from the Hebrew Miryam, the name of the sister of Moses and Aaron in the Book of Exodus, who leads the women in song after the crossing of the Red Sea.
Is Miriam a popular name?
Yes. Miriam ranked #246 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Miriam a boy or girl name?
Miriam is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Miriam?
Miriam is usually pronounced MEER-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