Mara
Mara is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning “Bitter”, pronounced MAH-rah. It ranked #589 in the United States in 2025, given to 499 babies, and peaked at #538 in 1990. Common nicknames: Mar, Rara.
How popular is Mara in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Mara mean, and where does it come from?
Mara is the name Naomi gives herself in the Book of Ruth — "call me not Naomi, call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me" — from the Hebrew for bitter. It is also Māra, the great mother goddess of Latvian folklore, and an Italian and Croatian short form of Mary. American records hold it from 1892 and it entered the top thousand in 1950. Two syllables, an open ending, and three separate traditions behind it depending on which family is using it.
How is Mara used around the world?
Mara is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Mara?
Famous People Named Mara
- Mara Wilson — American actress and writer
- Mara Venier — Italian television presenter
- Mara Santangelo — Italian tennis player and Wimbledon doubles champion
Similar Names to Mara
If you like Mara, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Mara
Looking for names that pair well with Mara? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Mara mean?
Mara is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "Bitter." Mara is the name Naomi gives herself in the Book of Ruth — "call me not Naomi, call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me" — from the Hebrew for bitter. It is also Māra, the great mother goddess of Latvian folklore, and an Italian and Croatian short form of Mary.
How do you pronounce Mara?
Mara is pronounced MAH-rah. Common variations include Marah, Māra, Marra.
Is Mara a girl name?
Yes, Mara is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Mar, Rara.