"bitter"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Mara
Pronunciation: [ m-AHR-uh ]
Girl Name
#588 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
Ancient, stark, and quietly beautiful
Jewish
Irish
Slavic
Spanish
English
Classic
Strong
Elegant
Minimalist
Meaning & Origin
"sea of bitterness"
Origin: Hebrew via Mary
Language: English
"strength, power"
Origin: Aramaic
Language: English
The Story of Mara
Mara comes from the Hebrew word for 'bitter,' most famously used in the Book of Ruth when Naomi, having lost her husband and sons, asks to be called Mara instead of Naomi ('pleasant'): 'Call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.' Despite this sorrowful origin, the name has been embraced for its quiet strength — bitterness in Hebrew also evokes resilience and depth of experience.
Mara has been steadily climbing as parents seek short, strong names that feel both ancient and modern. Its resemblance to fashionable names like Sara and Clara, combined with its distinctive single-syllable feel, has made it a sleeper hit among parents who want something understated but memorable.
In Celtic traditions, Mara is associated with the sea. In Slavic folklore, Mara (or Mora) is a spirit of nightmares and night terrors. In Buddhism, Mara is the demon of illusion who tempted the Buddha. The name carries a fascinating tension between darkness and beauty across world cultures.
Fun Facts
- Mara appears in the Old Testament as the name Naomi gave herself after her family's death
- In Hindu mythology, Mara is the god of temptation and worldly attachment
- The name shares a root with the word 'marah,' a bitter spring mentioned in Exodus
Mara in Other Languages
Irish
Máire
Arabic
مارا
Hebrew
מָרָה
Russian
Мара
Spanish
Mara
Famous People Named Mara
M
Mara Wilson
Actor
1987
American actress who played Matilda in the 1996 film adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic novel
R
Rooney Mara
Actor
1985
American actress known for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Carol, Academy Award nominee
M
Mara Jade Skywalker Fictional
Other
Beloved character from the Star Wars Expanded Universe, Emperor's Hand turned Jedi Master and wife of Luke Skywalker
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #588
- Total SSA Count
- 514
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Irish Slavic Spanish English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Pairs Well With
Mara Jane
Mara Grace
Mara Louise
Mara Elizabeth
Mara Rose
Mara Claire
Mara Elise
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Mara is also used as a boy name, ranked #30642.
View Mara as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mara
What does the name Mara mean?
"bitter" (from Hebrew). "sea of bitterness" (from Hebrew via Mary). "strength, power" (from Aramaic). Mara comes from the Hebrew word for 'bitter,' most famously used in the Book of Ruth when Naomi, having lost her husband and sons, asks to be called Mara instead of Naomi ('pleasant'): 'Call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.' Despite this sorrowful origin, the name has been embraced for its quiet strength — bitterness in Hebrew also evokes resilience and depth of experience.
What is the origin of the name Mara?
Mara has Hebrew, Hebrew via Mary, Aramaic, Jewish, Irish, Slavic, Spanish, and English origins. In Hebrew, it means "bitter". In Hebrew via Mary, it means "sea of bitterness". In Aramaic, it means "strength, power".
Is Mara a boy or girl name?
Mara is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #588. As a boy name, it is ranked #30642. Mara is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Mara?
Mara is pronounced m-AHR-uh.
How popular is the name Mara?
Mara is currently ranked #588 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Mara?
Popular middle name pairings include Mara Jane, Mara Grace, Mara Louise, Mara Elizabeth, Mara Rose, Mara Claire, and Mara Elise.
What are good sibling names for Mara?
Names that pair well with Mara as siblings include Nora, Cora, Lena, Eli, Simon, and Jonah.
How many syllables does Mara have?
Mara has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Mara a common or rare name?
Mara is moderately common, ranked #588 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Mara
Mara is a girl name with Jewish, Irish, Slavic, Spanish, and English origins . The name means "bitter" in Hebrew .
Is Mara a boy or girl name? Mara is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #588 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #30,642. Mara is more commonly used as a girl name.
Mara is currently ranked #588 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Mara has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AHR-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Mara include Maria, Margaret, Margot, Mary, Mariana . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.