Name Meaning & Origin
🔊 MAR-ee-bah /məˈraɪbə/
"Quarrelsome, contentious"
Data last updated: 2025 SSA records
In the Bible, Meribah is a place and a name given to some women. The name is derived from the Hebrew word ‘Meribah’ which means ‘quarrelsome’ or ‘contentious’. One notable woman in the Bible with this name is Meribah, the daughter of Jethro who was married to Moses.
Meribah is a biblical name originating from the Old Testament, specifically mentioned in the books of Exodus and Numbers. It refers to a place where water came forth or to the strife itself. The name …
Emotional Traits
Hidden Personality
Lucky Colors
Numerology: Independence, leadership, new beginnings.
Life Path 11 — Intuition & Insight: Highly intuitive, idealistic, and visionary.
Cultural Impact
The name "Meribah" holds a significant place in Jewish and Christian literary and religious traditions. The name is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, in the Books of Exodus (17:7) and Numbers (27:1), and has been interpreted as a symbol of dissent and rebellion. In Judeo-Christian tradition, the people of Israel's desire for water and their lack of faith and trust in God led them to quarrel and argue with Moses, and the name "Meribah" became synonymous with strife and rebellion.
Spiritual Significance
From a spiritual perspective, the name "Meribah" serves as a reminder of the dangers of discontentment, grumbling, and quarreling. Meribah's story highlights the importance of faith, trust, and obedience in the face of adversity and the importance of staying focused on the blessings and provisions that God offers us. It also shows how a lack of faith and an unwillingness to trust God's timing and plan can lead to turmoil and strife. Ultimately, the name "Meribah" serves as a cautionary tale and calls us to reflect on our own attitudes towards God, trust, and contentment.
Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.
Root element "Meribah" emerges in Hebrew tradition, carrying the core meaning "Quarrelsome, contentious".
Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.
Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.
Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.
~6 people named Meribah in the US. Peaked in 1918 with 6 recorded uses.
Historical records show that Exodus 17:1-7 The name Meribah carried significant spiritual weight in that era.
Modern Usage
In today's world, the name Meribah continues to be cherished by Christian families globally. It is frequently featured on social media platforms where parents share their naming journeys, and Christian name websites where expectant parents research meaningful Biblical names. The name bridges traditional Christian values with modern faith identity, making it relevant for contemporary families seeking names with deep spiritual and Biblical significance.
Meribah means "Quarrelsome, contentious" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.
Yes, Meribah is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.
Meribah has Hebrew origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.
The Life Path number for Meribah is 11, associated with Intuition & Insight. Soul Urge: 6. Personality: 5.
Meribah is Predominantly Female. Based on US data, 0% male and 100% female.
Approximately 6 people in the United States are named Meribah. The name peaked in 1918 with 6 recorded uses.
Similar Sounding
From Our Database
🔍 Look up another name's meaning