Miriam is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin. It means "sea" or "rebelliousness." In the Bible, Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron. She was a prophetess and played a significant role in the Israelites' escape from Egypt.
The name Miriam has been used throughout history by various notable figures. For example, Miriam Moskowitz was an American mathematician who made significant contributions to number theory. Miriam Makeba was a South African singer known for her hit song "Pata Pata." Miriam Anderson is a Canadian actress known for her role in the TV series "Stargate Atlantis."
The name Miriam has also been used as a symbol of female empowerment and independence, perhaps due to its biblical association with a strong-willed woman who challenged authority. Today, it continues to be popular among parents seeking a meaningful and unique name for their daughters.
Miriam has had peaks of popularity around the mid-20th century and again in the late 1980s to early 1990s, with notable years being 1953, 1957, 1958, 1989, 1992, and 1996. However, it's clear that Miriam has not been a consistently popular name throughout the century, with many years having fewer than 5 births.