All about the name

Mara

Male

« Mara is a Hebrew name meaning 'rebellious' or 'bitter,' originally given to Sarai, who became the matriarch of the Israelites after her name was changed by God. »

#30190 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Mara is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the word "marah," which means "rebellious" or "bitter." In biblical history, Mara is mentioned as the wife of Nachor and the mother of Abraham's brother Haran. According to the story in Genesis, Mara was initially named Sarai, but her name was changed by God after He promised to bless her and make her the matriarch of a great nation. Despite its negative connotation, the name Mara has been popular among various cultures throughout history. In medieval Europe, Mara was used as both a female and male name, often associated with the Virgin Mary due to the similarity in sound between "Mara" and "Maria." Additionally, Mara was a common name among Slavic peoples, particularly in Poland and Ukraine. Today, Mara continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their daughters. While it may not have the same positive associations as some other names, Mara's biblical history and connection to Abraham's family make it an intriguing option with deep roots in ancient history.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Mara since 1880

Total births
16
Total since 1880
Peak year
1983
6 births
in 1989
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years