Miriam: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced MIR-ee-uhm · 3 syllables
Miriam means “bitter; to be bitter”, from Hebrew.
From Hebrew (Miryam), possibly from Aramaic (Maryam, “bitter”), from a root (m-r) meaning "to be bitter". The meaning of this name which is the Old Testament equivalent of Mary has been debated for centuries. Some other explanations are mutiny / rebellion / disobedience from a root (m-r-y).
- Meaning
- bitter; to be bitter
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- MIR-ee-uhm
- US rank (2025)
- #246
- US babies a year
- about 1,237 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1910
- Style
- Vintage, Biblical, Classic
- Nicknames
- Mimi
How popular is Miriam?
Miriam was the #246 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,262 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1910.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #246 |
| England & Wales | #267 |
| Scotland | #992 |
| Ireland | #276 |
| France | #889 |
| Norway | #172 |
| Canada | #371 |
How old are people named Miriam?
Half of US adults named Miriam are older than 45; most are between 20 and 82. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Miriam
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Miriam have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
- Efren
- Guinevere
- Merrick
- Achim
- Yael
Names like Miriam
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Miriam
What does the name Miriam mean?
Miriam means “bitter; to be bitter”. It comes from Hebrew.
How do you pronounce Miriam?
Miriam is pronounced MIR-ee-uhm.
How popular is the name Miriam?
Miriam was the #246 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,262 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1910.
How old are people named Miriam?
Half of US adults named Miriam are older than 45. Most are between 20 and 82.