Home Name Meanings Mara

Mara Name Meaning, Origin & History

Name Meaning & Origin

Mara

🔊 MAR-uh  /ˈmɑrə/

"Rebellious, bitter"

Greek Origin Christianity Predominantly Female 📈 Peak 2021 👥 23,551 in US Christian Biblical Spiritical
📖
Meaning
Rebellious, bitter
🌍
Origin
Greek
👥
US Bearers
23,551
Life Path
Number 5

📖 What Does Mara Mean?

In Greek mythology, Mara was a goddess of the sea. In the Bible, Mara was the name of a bitter spring that the Israelites complained about in the wilderness. This name may symbolize one who is rebellious or bitter, but ultimately overcomes adversity.

🌐 From Wikipedia Source ↗

Mara can be either a surname or a first name. Mara is Irish for ocean.…

Root Element
Mara
Core Meaning
"Rebellious, bitter"
Language
English, Greek, Latin
Themes
Love · Nature · Moon

🌐 Mara in Different Languages

🇬🇧 English
Mara
bitter woman or sorrowful one

Mara is a name derived from Hebrew roots, meaning bitter woman or sorrowful one, and is associated with the biblical figure of Mara, a woman who experienced a life of hardship and sorrow, yet remained…

Personality of Mara

Emotional Traits

Resilient Tenacious Determined

Hidden Personality

C = Courageous
H = Humble

🍀 Lucky Attributes

📅
Lucky Day
Friday
🔢
Lucky Number
7
💎
Lucky Stone
Carnelian
🌟
Life Path
5

Lucky Colors

Purple
Teal

Numerology: Those with a life path of 5 are adventurous and exciting, always seeking new experiences and challenges.

🔢 Numerology of Mara

M 4
A 1
R 9
A 1
SUM 6
6
Life Path
Nurturing & Responsibility
2
Soul Urge
Harmony & Diplomacy
4
Personality
Stability & Hard Work

Life Path 6 — Nurturing & Responsibility: Compassionate, family-oriented, and generous.

🕊️ Cultural & Spiritual Significance

Cultural Impact

Mara has been used as a given name in various cultures throughout history, including the Maronites in Lebanon, who trace their origins to ancient Phoenicia. The name may also have roots in Hebrew, meaning "bitter" or "rebellious," which reflects the experiences of the Israelites in the desert as recorded in the Book of Exodus.

Spiritual Significance

In Christianity, the name Mara holds a deeper spiritual meaning as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision, even in the midst of hardships and bitterness. The Israelites, despite their complaints, were led to a place of abundance and sustenance, as God guided them through the desert and provided them with water from the rock. Mara, then, can serve as a reminder to trust in God's guidance and to rely on His promises, even when we are facing trials and bitter experiences.

Gender Distribution

♂ Male0%
♀ Female100%

Based on 23,551 US Social Security records

📈 US Popularity

Total US bearers 23,551
Peak year 2021 (568)
First recorded 1892
Last recorded 2024
Gender Predominantly Female
Full US statistics →

🗺️ Global Popularity

Overall Popularity Score 70/100
🌍 Poland
85%
🌍 Brazil
61%
🌍 France
86%

Historical Journey

🌱
Ancient Roots

Root element "Mara" emerges in Greek tradition, carrying the core meaning "Rebellious, bitter".

📜
Classical Period

Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.

⚔️
Medieval Period

Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.

🌊
Modern Adoption

Standardized in its current form, established across English-speaking and Muslim communities.

📈
Today (2026)

~23,551 people named Mara in the US. Peaked in 2021 with 568 recorded uses.

🏛️
3rd-4th century

Historical records show that Mara was an early Christian martyr in North Africa. The name Mara carried significant spiritual weight in that era.

Modern Usage

The name Mara remains relevant in modern Christian society, representing a bridge between traditional Biblical values and contemporary life. It is widely discussed on digital platforms and continues to be a popular choice for families seeking meaningful Christian names.

Famous People Named Mara

M
Mara Wilson
M
Mara Liasson

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mara mean?

Mara means "Rebellious, bitter" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.

Is Mara a good Christian name?

Yes, Mara is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.

What is the origin of the name Mara?

Mara has Greek origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.

What is the numerology number for Mara?

The Life Path number for Mara is 6, associated with Nurturing & Responsibility. Soul Urge: 2. Personality: 4.

Is Mara a boy or girl name?

Mara is Predominantly Female. Based on US data, 0% male and 100% female.

How many people are named Mara in the US?

Approximately 23,551 people in the United States are named Mara. The name peaked in 2021 with 568 recorded uses.

🔗 Related & Similar Names

Related Names

Maryam Mariamne

Similar Sounding

Maraia Mariella

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