Mariah

Wished-for child, beloved — a girl name of Hebrew origin

GenderGirl
OriginHebrew
MeaningWished-for child, beloved
Pronunciationmuh-RY-uh

Popularity of Mariah in the United States

#448Rank in 2025
693Births in 2025
#62 in 1998Peak Popularity
↓ Declining10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Mariah

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.

Mariah Around the World

Mariah is used in 1 languages worldwide.

Languages
English
Details

TypeFemale given name

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Mariah

RiaMari

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.

Also consider:Moriah

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.

Need More Name Ideas?

Like Mariah? Our AI Name Generator suggests personalized baby names based on your preferences, surname, and cultural background.

Try Baby Name Generator