Mara Name Meaning, Origin, History, And Popularity
Unveiling strength, grace, and timeless charm within four letters.
MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us.
In This Article
- ❯Origin, Meaning, And History Of Mara
- ❯How To Pronounce Mara?
- ❯‘Mara’ In QR Code
- ❯Notable People Named Mara
- ❯Mara On The Popularity Chart
- ❯Popularity Over Time
- ❯Rank Over Time
- ❯Mara On MomJunction Popularity Chart
- ❯Popularity Within US States
- ❯Mara Name's Presence On Social Media
- ❯Mara’s Mention In Fictional Works
- ❯Names With Similar Sound As Mara
- ❯Popular Sibling Names For Mara
- ❯Other Popular Names Beginning With M
- ❯Names With Similar Meaning As Mara
- ❯Names Rhyming With Mara
- ❯Anagram Names Of Mara
- ❯Popular Songs On The Name Mara
- ❯Acrostic Poem On Mara
- ❯Adorable Nicknames For Mara
- ❯Mara’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology
- ❯Mara’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
- ❯Mara Personality Traits As Per Numerology
- ❯Infographic: Know The Name Mara's Personality As Per Numerology
- ❯Mara In Different Languages
- ❯How To Communicate The Name Mara In Sign Languages
- ❯Name Numerology For Mara
- ❯Baby Name Lists Containing Mara
- ❯Movie Titles Inspired By The Name Mara
- ❯Frequently Asked Questions
- ❯Look Up For Many More Names
- ❯Phonemic Representation Of Mara
- Community Experiences
Origin, Meaning, And History Of Mara
Mara is a versatile name with diverse origins and meanings. It has its roots in Hebrew, where it means ‘bitter,’ famously used as a pen name by Naomi in the Old Testament to express her grief. Mara also has variations in Hungarian, Croatian, and Serbian, linked to names like Mária and Marija. Additionally, it can be associated with Kiswahili, representing the word ‘a time’ and serving as a geographical name for a river in Kenya and Tanzania (1).
In various cultures, Mara finds different interpretations. In Syrian and Maltese, it means ‘woman,’ while in Gaelic, it signifies ‘sea.’ In Nigerian (Igbo), it conveys ‘beautiful.’ In Irish, it represents the ‘ocean.’ As a surname, Mara reflects Hungarian, Irish, and Czech origins. In the Hungarian context, it could stem from affectionate variations of personal names like Mária, Márkus (Hungarian form of Marcus or Mark), or Márton (Hungarian form of Martin). Alternatively, it may originate from a shortened form of the old religious name Marcel. In the Irish tradition, Mara is a shortened form of the surname O’Mara. In the Czech language, specifically as Mára, it can be traced back to pet forms of personal names like Marek or Martin.
The name Mara holds significant associations beyond its origins and meanings. It is linked to biblical figures like Naomi and carries connotations of strength. In Aramaic, it means ‘Lady’ and serves as a title for bishops in the Syriac Christian church. Additionally, it refers to a bitter lake in the Bible and a Kabbalistic sephira called Binah. Mara also holds various interpretations worldwide, including ‘joy’ in Arabic and having unisex usage.
The pronunciation of Mara varies, with MAHR-ah being the most common, although it may rhyme with Sarah in certain Jewish-American and Southern U.S. contexts. It can be a diminutive of Maralda, Maria, Marina, or Tamara. Equivalents in English include Maleah, Maree, Maria, Mariah, Marie, Mary, Maura, Miriam, Moira, and Mora.
In the realm of fiction, Mara appears as characters such as Marller in Oh My Goddess!, Mara Jade Skywalker in Star Wars Expanded Universe, Mara Jaffray in the TV series House of Anubis, and Mara Lady of the Acoma in the Empire Trilogy novels by Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts.
Mara
How To Pronounce Mara?
The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.
Listen to the sound of the name Mara in English.
‘Mara’ In QR Code
Here's a unique feature for the modern, tech-savvy, and curious parents – have your baby's name in a QR code. If you want your close circle to know your newborn's name, all you need to do is simply scan and share it. The code not only shows the name but its meaning as well; this means you don't have to painfully explain the meaning of your baby's name anymore! So, go ahead. Download, save, and share it with your family and friends, or use it to create personalized keepsakes for your little one.
Notable People Named Mara
This section covers people who have made the name Mara famous with their contributions in various fields. It indeed is a little more inspiration for you to choose the name for your baby, don’t you think?
- Rooney MaraActress and philanthropist
- Kate MaraActress
- Mara WilsonActress and writer
- Mara CarfagnaItalian politician and former showgirl and model.
- Mara VenierTelevision presenter
- Mara AbbottAn American former professional women's bicycle racer, the first US cyclist ever to win one of the Grand Tours of women's bicycle racing.
- Mara HvistendahlAn American writer, famous for her book Unnatural Selection and a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction.
- Mara CarlyleAn English singer-songwriter, producer, and arranger known for her mesmerizing performances on the musical saw and the ukulele
Mara On The Popularity Chart
Let’s check out the statistical data provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to learn more about the popularity and ranking of the name Mara.
Popularity Over Time
The name Mara has been in use since 1892. It can be inferred from the graph that the name was widely used in 1983 due to its high popularity.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
As can be seen from the graph, the name Mara has not fared well in terms of ranking.
Source: Social Security AdministrationMara On MomJunction Popularity Chart
Know how popular the name Mara is among the MomJunction readers. We used a unique approach to gather relevant insights for creating this popularity chart by observing the interactions and interest around the name on our platform. See what the trend has been among our readers over these past years.
Popularity Within US States
If you're living in the US, you might be curious about the popularity of Mara in your own state, a state you're considering moving to, or one with which you have a connection. Use the drop-down menu below to select any US state and discover the name's popularity within that region.
California
Texas
Florida
Source: Social Security AdministrationMara Name’s Presence On Social Media
Before you finalize your baby’s name, you would want to assess if the name is rare or popular. Digital footprint of the name - it’s presence on the internet and social media platforms - can provide you with valuable insights on it’s popularity. A name’s online presence is an important metric for new parents to evaluate their options and make an informed choice. How many people are searching the name on Google, how many profiles are there on Facebook, does the name have a Wikipedia page? Such information surely tells you if the name is ubiquitous or unique. Here is how Mara fares on that count.
Mara’s Mention In Fictional Works
In this section, know how the creative minds have treated the name Mara in their fictional works. How often has the name been woven into the storylines, and how popular was the character – these details may not directly influence your naming decision, but you would like to know about Mara’s performance in the world of entertainment, won’t you? Moreover, it could be the name of the character from a movie or series you loved or binge-watched recently! So, check out Mara’s performance in the fictional cosmos.
Title | Character name | Role played by |
---|---|---|
Lover's Guide | Mara | Meryem Uzerli |
Sugarwheels | Mara Moon | Navah Raphael |
Let's Talk | Mara | Janora McDuffie |
Lady Frederick | Gerald O' Mara | Berno von Cramm |
The Red Thread | Mara Dubito | Sheila Ball |
Wie eine Träne im Ozean | Mara Vassomilitsch | Krista Keller |
Ofrenda desnuda | Mara | Nadia Cabuto |
Doctori de mame | Manea Mara | Medeea Marinescu |
The Night I Was Bitten | Mara | Ivana Vranjes |
Lily + Mara | Mara | Meghann Fahy |
Names With Similar Sound As Mara
Explore names that sound similar to Mara and find the perfect harmonious match.
Popular Sibling Names For Mara
If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Mara, check our suggestions here.
Boy Sibling Names For Mara
Find matching brother names for Mara and create a wonderful team of siblings.
MaaravGirl Sibling Names For Mara
Looking for some suitable sister names for Mara? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
MahriOther Popular Names Beginning With M
Looking for more baby names starting with the letter M to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.
Names With Similar Meaning As Mara
Explore names that share Mara’s significance and uncover the perfect choice for your child.
Names Rhyming With Mara
The significance of rhyming names extends beyond their aesthetic appeal and a good feel. The repetition and symmetry enhance their memorability. If you want your children’s names to be easily remembered or tune with your name, try some rhyming names. Here are such names that rhyme with Mara.
Anagram Names Of Mara
William Shakespeare is known for his ‘onomastic wit,’ with anagrams being one of them (remember the play Twelfth Night?). Anagram is the rearrangement of the same letters to form different words. Anagramming names has been in vogue for centuries now, and why not when it can create some cute names? Anagram baby names stand out with their unique sound and spellings. You may try an anagram of your name or your partner’s; even better if you combine both names and then try an anagram for the baby. It all stays in the family this way. You may also try anagram names for siblings, especially twins. Here are some anagrams of Mara.
RaamPopular Songs On The Name Mara
Acrostic Poem On Mara
Dive into the lyrical charm of the name Mara with this acrostic poem. Witness how each letter paints together a story, capturing the name’s individuality, strength, vitality, and sophistication. Inspiring, is it? Why not try a similar poem that describes what you think of your baby’s personality?
Mirthful and cheery, laughter like a melody.
Aspiring and working hard for true success.
Royal and regal, you are meant to soar high like an eagle.
Angelic and divine, a little beacon of light.
Adorable Nicknames For Mara
Nicknames are an integral part of your communication with your baby. You tend to use several variations of your child’s name; some are meaningful, while others are simply adorable sounds. Here are a few nicknames you can begin with for the name Mara.
- M
- Mar
- Marz
- Rara
- Ma
Mara’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology
Western astrology includes the construction of a horoscope based on the person’s exact time of birth and location to understand the positions of the planet, stars, and zodiac signs at that time. However, in popular culture, it is often narrowed down to the sun sign, which depends on the person’s birth date.There are 12 zodiac signs, each having dominant traits, planetary rulers, elemental connection, and more.
Zodiac sign or Sun sign
The Earth’s orbit around the sun is divided into 12 zodiac signs covering 30-degree sectors. According to Western astrology, the zodiac or sun sign depends on the sun’s position in one of these sectors at the time of your birth. Starting from the sun’s position at the March equinox, the chart goes anti-clockwise from Aries, followed by Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. These signs are ruled by planetary bodies - Mars, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Furthermore, they are categorized into triplicities or elemental signs - fire, water, air, and earth - that govern their characteristics. Each of these zodiac signs features certain personality traits that may determine how a person presents themselves.
Why the date of birth matters
Each zodiac sign in Western astrology is linked to a specific range of dates in the year. Unlike Vedic astrology, where names can sometimes be used to infer astrological details, Western astrology relies entirely on the birth date.
To know more about your baby’s zodiac sign, choose the period in which your baby’s date of birth falls, from the options given below. This will give you a glimpse into the world of astrology tailored for your baby.
Select your baby’s birthdate range
Mar 21 – Apr 19
Apr 20 – May 20
May 21 – Jun 20
Jun 21 – Jul 22
Jul 23 – Aug 22
Aug 23 – Sep 22
Sep 23 – Oct 22
Oct 23 – Nov 21
Nov 22 – Dec 21
Dec 22 – Jan 19
Jan 20 – Feb 18
Feb 19 – Mar 20
Mara’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
Vedic astrology, also called Jyotisha, provides deep insights into a person’s life based on celestial positions at birth. Rashi and nakshatra, which are an integral part of Jyotisha, are believed to influence an individual’s personality and life events. The following sections give you rashi-related information, such as the associated letters, elements, ruling body, quality, and nakshatra for the name Mara. These details help analyze a person’s characteristics, personality, and behavior.
Zodiac Sign (Rashi)
As shown in the following table, each rashi is associated with specific sounds, which are often used as the starting letters of names for newborns in Hindu families. Each rashi is represented by a figure and one of the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Space). One ruling celestial body, known as its 'rashi lord' or 'ruler' is assigned to these rashis. These bodies include Venus, Mars, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn. Furthermore, the rashis are assigned various qualities or gunas.
Rashi (zodiac sign) | Simha (Leo) |
---|---|
Starting letters for Simha (Leo) rashi | M, TT |
Representation | Lion |
Element | Fire |
Ruling body | Sun |
Quality | Fixed |
Birth Star (Nakshatra)
Another important aspect of Vedic Astrology is the nakshatras, the lunar constellations or star clusters that the Moon occupies during a person's birth. There are 27 nakshatras, each with its own unique qualities, attributes, and symbolism. Each rashi contains two-and-one-fourth nakshatras in it. For example, Aries contains Ashwini, Bharani, and Krithika nakshatras.
The below table provides information on the nakshatras’ degrees on the zodiac circle, their lords and related syllables, for babies born in the Simha (Leo) rashi. These syllables/phonetics are popularly used to choose the baby name. For precise nakshatra calculation based on your baby's birthplace and date, use our Nakshatra Calculator.
Nakshatra | Degrees Of The Nakshatra | Nakshatra Lord (Ruler) | Name Syllables |
---|---|---|---|
Magha (Makha, Makam) | Leo (0 to 13.20 degrees) | Ketu | Ma, Maa, Mi, Mee, Mu, Me |
Purva Phalguni (Pooram, Pubba) | Leo (13.20 to 26.40 degrees) | Venus | Mo, Ta, Taa, Ti, Tee, Tu |
Uttara Phalguni (Uthiram, Utram) | Leo (26.40 to 30 degrees) | Sun | Te, Ta, Taa, To, Pa, Paa, Pi, Pee |
Mara Personality Traits As Per Numerology
The numerology belief system envisages a relationship between a name and numbers. The related numbers are believed to give insights into a person’s character. We have researched this area to connect the numerology-based characteristic traits to the letters of the English alphabet. And the results are fascinating.
Numerology followers believe that each letter signifies attributes that can influence a person’s attitude and approach. Among these placements, the most significant are the first letter (Cornerstone) and the last letter (Capstone) of a name. Cornerstone highlights your primary personality traits and explains how you face challenges and opportunities in life. Capstone can tell you about your approach to work and how you complete them. Often, a letter may be repeated twice or more in a name. This repetition signifies the intensification or amplification of the traits associated with the letter in an individual’s personality.
Read to know what characteristics the name Mara is known for in numerology. Here we have avoided repetition of letters and added them just once for a better reading experience.
MYou are introspective, diligent, and pragmatic. You love to be independent but can be quite a workaholic..
AYou are ambitious, brave, and independent. You tend to be dominating and seek power and status.
RYou are sensitive, creative, and emotional. You are always patient and like to help others.
AYou are persistent and deliver on your promises. You are confident in leading projects and can work independently.
Infographic: Know The Name Mara‘s Personality As Per Numerology
Mara In Different Languages
It’s exciting to see our baby’s name spelled and written in various languages. See how people spell Mara in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more! Each language has its own way of saying Mara, but it’s still the same special name. Learn how the name looks and sounds in different languages around the world!
Name | Language | Code |
---|---|---|
Mara | English | en |
玛拉 | Chinese | zh-CN |
मारा | Hindi | hi |
Mara | Spanish | es |
Mara | French | fr |
مارا | Arabic | ar |
মারা | Bengali | bn |
Mara | Portuguese | pt |
Мара | Russian | ru |
مارا | Urdu | ur |
Mara | Indonesian | id |
Mara | German | de |
マラ | Japanese | ja |
मारा | Marathi | mr |
మార | Telugu | te |
Mara | Turkish | tr |
மாரா | Tamil | ta |
Mara | Vietnamese | vi |
Mara | Tagalog | tl |
마라 | Korean | ko |
Mara | Hausa | ha |
Mara | Swahili | sw |
Mara | Javanese | jv |
Mara | Italian | it |
ਮਾਰਾ | Punjabi | pa |
મારા | Gujarati | gu |
มารา | Thai | th |
ಮಾರ | Kannada | kn |
ማራ | Amharic | am |
मारा | Bhojpuri | bho |
Mara | Yoruba | yo |
How To Communicate The Name Mara In Sign Languages
In Nautical Flags
Mara
In Sign Language
Mara
In Braille Alphabet
Mara
In Morse Code
Mara
In Barcode
In Binary
01001101 01100001 01110010 01100001
Name Numerology For Mara
Numerology is an occult system that gives significance to numbers and their influence on human life and destiny. Numerologists attribute specific qualities, energies, and characteristics to a number. Parents who believe in numerology prefer to choose baby names that resonate positively with the child’s unique numerical vibrations, often derived from their date of birth. Here we give a general birth number and personality traits of the name Mara, based on the Pythagorean (Western) system. This analysis will differ from child to child based on their date of birth. You may use our numerology calculator for more personalized information.
Destiny Number
You are meant to love and care for your near and dear ones. You will cater to the needs of others and helping them will give you peace, beauty, and harmony in life.
Personality Number
You are reliable and consistent. Others tend to trust you and feel most secure with you. Careful spender, concerned with the future, deeply patriotic and take up a prominent role in the society.
Soul Number
Natural peacemakers, who can bridge the gap and work to achieve a harmonious environment. You are sympathetic, devoted and extremely concerned.
Baby Name Lists Containing Mara
Read through our baby name lists that include the name Mara and several other similar names. The wider the choice, the better your selection. Isn't it?
- Baby Boy Names With Meanings›
- Baby Boy Names That Start With Letter M›
- Hebrew Baby Names With Meanings›
- Hebrew Baby Names Starting With Letter M›
- Judaism Baby Names With Meanings›
- Judaism Baby Names Starting With Letter M›
- Judaism Baby Boy Names, Starting With Letter M›
- 144 Beautiful Baby Names That Mean Chaos Or Trouble›
Movie Titles Inspired By The Name Mara
Discover the presence of Mara in an array of films. Know about the various movies that have this name.
Movie title | Other titles | Release year |
---|---|---|
Sonu Tane Mara Par Bharoso Nai Ke | 2022 | |
Mára Jde Do Nebe | 2022 | |
Mara | Amikor lehunyod a szemed, El demonio del sueño, MARA マーラ, Mara: Kẻ Không Ngủ, Mara: o Demônio do Sono, Mara: Ο Δαίμονας του Ύπνου, Mara. Białoruski sen, Мара, Мара. Пожиратель снов | 2018 |
Mara'akame's Dream | El Sueño del Mara'akame | 2016 |
Mara and the Firebringer | Mara e il crepuscolo degli dei, Mara e o Senhor do Fogo, Mara et le Démon de Feu, Mara i el senyor del foc, Mara ja tuletooja, Mara und der Feuerbringer, Mara y el señor del fuego, Мара и Носитель Огня | 2015 |
Mara: River of Death | 2012 | |
Destino Mara | 2010 | |
Dear Mara, Letters from a Patagonia Trip | Cartas de un viaje por la Patagonia, Dear Mara, Letters from a Patagonia Trip, Querida Mara, cartas de un viaje por la Patagonia | 2009 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Mara?
The name Mara means ‘bitter.’
2. What is the origin of the name Mara?
Mara has a Hebrew origin.
3. Is Mara typically used for a boy or a girl, or can it be used for both genders?
Mara is used as a girl’s name. It has diverse origins and meanings; for instance, it signifies ‘lady’ in Syrian and Aramaic contexts but means ‘joy’ in Arabic, where it has unisex connotations. In the Old Testament, Mara was used as a pen name by Naomi to express her grief (2). Thus, due to its feminine sound and usage, Mara is typically associated with girls.
4. Who is Mara in the Bible?
In the Bible, Mara is mentioned in the Book of Ruth as the new name taken by Naomi after experiencing great sorrow and loss. Mara means ‘bitter’ and symbolizes the hardships she faced. This story of Naomi’s name change represents her transformation and highlights the theme of resilience and finding meaning amidst adversity (2).
References
- Managing the Mara River in Kenya and Tanzania
https://wwf.panda.org/wwf_offices/tanzania/?uProjectID=9F0749 - Who/what is Marah in the Bible?
https://www.gotquestions.org/Marah-in-the-Bible.html - Astrology, Hermes (2023); Astrology for Beginners.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370635414_Astrology_for_Beginners - Shirley Lawrence; The Secret Science of Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Numbers and Letters.
https://www.academia.edu/97492675/The_Secret_Science_of_Numerology_The_Hidden_Meaning_of_Numbers_and_Letters_Shirley_Lawrence&nav_from=a3c5c3fd-555f-4584-b66d-4a3c8023402e&rw_pos=0 - Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia; “zodiac”; Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/zodiac - P.V.R. Narasimha Rao; Vedic Astrology: An Integrated Approach.
https://www.vedicastrologer.org/articles/vedic_astro_textbook.pdf - Paulo Martins; A Concise History of Hindu Astrology and Indian Spirituality; Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
https://www.saspublishers.com/media/articles/SJAHSS_112_33-36_FT_MAEgJAB.pdf - International Phonetic Association.
https://www.internationalphoneticassociation.org/ - Adam Szczegielniak; Phonetics: The Sounds of Language; Harvard University.
https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/adam/files/phonetics.ppt.pdf - Lalita K. Wani et al; Review of Scientific Analysis Of Sacred Sound OM (AUM); Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), Novermber 2020.
https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2011207.pdf
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
Phonemic Representation Of Mara
Phonemics is the study of a language’s distinctive sound units (phonemes), as standardized by the International Phonetics Association. When choosing a name for your baby, knowing its phonemic pronunciation gives an idea about the name’s sound pattern and auditory appeal. You can assess the name’s ease of pronunciation, memorability, and softness. Here is the phonemic transcription of Mara in American and British accents.
- In American English: /mɑrə/
- In British English: /ˈmɑːrə/
Pronunciation of names, in fact, any spoken word, involves the participation of various parts of the mouth, vocal cord, nose, and lungs. Underneath all the sounds we make is the airstream flowing from the lungs and moving up to the mouth. It’s incredible how lips, tongue, teeth, alveolar ridge, palate, glottis, and larynx work harmoniously to bring out the words. Studies have proved that positive sounds like OM (AUM) help maintain hormonal balance and mental health and reduce stress and anxiety. So, what parts does Mara trigger? Find the details here; the sound of Mara might bring in more positive vibes into your life!
Phoneme | Articulation |
---|---|
/m/ | Bringing both lips together. Airflow stops for a fraction of a second |
/ɑ/ | Tongue low back, open mouth. Airflow is continuous |
/r/ | Curling back the tip of the tongue behind the alveolar ridge. Causes some obstruction of the airstream in the mouth |
/ə/ | Tongue mid. Airflow is continuous |
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Akshit Kapoor
Read full bio of Ipshita Chakraborty
Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz
Read full bio of Lorraine Teron