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Miriam

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“Beloved”or“Wished-for child”or“Bitter”

Miriam — Original Hebrew form of Mary. It is used in the Old Testament, where it belongs to the elder sister of Moses and Aaron. She watched over the infant Moses as the pharaoh's daughter drew him from the Nile. The name has long been popular among Jews, and it has been used as an English Christian name since the Protestant Reformation.

From the Hebrew name Miryam. Its original meaning is debated, with “beloved,” “wished-for child,” and “bitter” the leading interpretations.

Biblical namesake: Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron, a leader among the Israelites and remembered for her role in the Exodus and her song of praise after crossing the Red Sea. (Exodus · Exodus 15:20-21, Numbers 12)

HebrewEnglishGerman3 syllables · /ˈmɪr.i.əm/

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Related forms

Names related to Miriam through nicknames, language, or historical forms.

MaryMirjanaMyriam

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Name data: U.S. Social Security birth records, 1880–2025.Built by two parents who couldn’t pick either.

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