MyNameList

    Mara

    Also spelled: Māra

    Pronunciation: MAH-rah

    ♀ Female
    Hebrew, Sanskrit, Irish, Slavic

    Meaning

    bitter; also sea, or dream

    Origin

    Hebrew, Sanskrit, Irish, Slavic

    About Mara

    Mara offers a captivating blend of ancient roots and modern appeal, a name that feels both grounded and ethereal. Its sound, pronounced MAH-rah, is soft yet resonant, carrying a subtle strength that belies its simple elegance. Parents drawn to names with a rich, multifaceted heritage will appreciate Mara's journey through Hebrew, where it signifies "bitter" (famously adopted by Naomi in the Old Testament), to Sanskrit, meaning "sea" or "dream," and even appearing in Irish and Slavic traditions. This global reach gives Mara a unique, worldly charm, making it a wonderful choice for a child whose spirit you hope will be both resilient and imaginative. Unlike many names with strong biblical ties, Mara also holds significance in Buddhist contexts, offering a remarkable breadth of cultural resonance.

    Quick Facts

    - Short and sweet, easy to pronounce across many languages. - Popular in the US, Italy, Romania, Ireland, and India. - Also spelled Māra in some traditions.

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Uncommon
    Trend:Stable
    Peak decade:2010s
    Era:Biblical / Early Christian, Contemporary
    Popular in:United States, Italy, Romania, Ireland, India

    Popularity Trends

    Is Mara Right for Your Baby?

    Mara is a Mystical, Earthy, Strong name for girls that suits parents looking for something with character. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables2
    LengthMedium
    International UseGlobal
    PronunciationEasy

    Cultural Associations

    Biblical / Christian
    Buddhist

    Regions Where Mara Is Used

    Middle East
    South Asia
    Ireland
    Eastern Europe

    Name Vibe

    Mystical
    Earthy
    Strong
    Soft

    Famous People Named Mara

    • Mara Wilson, American actress
    • Mara Jade Skywalker, character in Star Wars Expanded Universe
    • Mara Schiavocampo, American journalist
    • Mara Corday, American actress and model

    Mara in different fonts

    MaraDancing Script
    MaraCaveat
    MaraSatisfy
    MaraPacifico
    MaraGreat Vibes

    Spelling Variants

    These names are alternative spellings or variants of Mara:

    Names Similar to Mara

    Names with a similar meaning or feel:

    Sibling Name Style

    If you like Mara, you might also like names with these styles:

    Short and sweet
    Classic but unique

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Mara

    What are the different meanings associated with the name Mara?

    Mara has a rich tapestry of meanings, including "bitter" from Hebrew, and "sea" or "dream" from Sanskrit. It also appears in Irish and Slavic cultures.

    Is Mara a common name in many countries?

    Yes, Mara enjoys popularity in various countries, including the United States, Italy, Romania, Ireland, and India, reflecting its diverse origins.

    What does Mara mean?

    Mara means "bitter; also sea, or dream". It is derived from Hebrew, Sanskrit, Irish, Slavic.

    What is the origin of Mara?

    Mara originates from Hebrew, Sanskrit, Irish, Slavic. Its cultural origin is Hebrew, Sanskrit, Irish, Slavic.

    Is Mara a male or female name?

    Mara is a female name.

    How do you pronounce Mara?

    Mara is pronounced "MAH-rah".

    What language does Mara come from?

    Mara comes from Hebrew, Sanskrit, Irish, Slavic.

    Is Mara a popular name?

    Mara is considered a uncommon name, and its popularity trend is stable.

    What are variants of Mara?

    Variants of Mara include Māra.

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