Mariah
Mariah is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning “Wished-for child, beloved”, pronounced muh-RY-uh. It ranked #448 in the United States in 2025, given to 693 babies, and peaked at #62 in 1998. Common nicknames: Ria, Mari.
How popular is Mariah 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 Mariah mean, and where does it come from?
Mariah is an English variant spelling of Maria, ultimately derived from the Hebrew Miriam. The distinctive "-iah" ending appeared in England as early as the 17th and 18th centuries, sometimes appearing in historical records and folk songs, including "They Call the Wind Maria," pronounced "Mariah." The name achieved massive global recognition through singer Mariah Carey, whose record-breaking career propelled the name's popularity worldwide beginning in the early 1990s. Mariah blends the ancient religious weight of Maria with a distinctly modern, melodic flair.
How is Mariah used around the world?
Mariah is used in 1 languages worldwide.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Mariah?
Famous People Named Mariah
- Mariah Carey — American singer-songwriter known for record-breaking vocal range
- Mariah Angeliq — Puerto Rican singer and songwriter
- Mariah Bell — American figure skater
Similar Names to Mariah
If you like Mariah, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Mariah
Looking for names that pair well with Mariah? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Mariah mean?
Mariah is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "Wished-for child, beloved." Mariah is an English variant spelling of Maria, ultimately derived from the Hebrew Miriam. The distinctive "-iah" ending appeared in England as early as the 17th and 18th centuries, sometimes appearing in historical records and folk songs, including "They Call the Wind Maria," pronounced "Mariah.
How do you pronounce Mariah?
Mariah is pronounced muh-RY-uh. Common variations include Maria, Moriah, Mariyah.
Is Mariah a girl name?
Yes, Mariah is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Ria, Mari.