Morriah is a unique and distinctive female given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "moriyah," which means "my light." This name has a rich history and cultural significance, as it is associated with several important figures in Jewish tradition.
In the Old Testament, Morriah is mentioned as the daughter of King David's son Amnon. She was raped by her half-brother Absalom, who later fled to Geshur, where he married another woman named Maacah and had three sons by her. After some time, Absalom returned to Jerusalem with his children, including Morriah, whom he presented to King David.
In Jewish history, Morriah is also remembered as the wife of Caleb, one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land. Caleb and his wife were among the few Israelites who remained faithful to God despite the negative report of the other spies, and they were rewarded with the privilege of entering Canaan.
The name Morriah has also been adopted by some Christian communities as a virtue name, representing qualities such as light, brightness, and enlightenment. It is often used in Christian art and literature to symbolize divine illumination or spiritual insight.
Overall, Morriah is an uncommon yet powerful name with deep roots in Jewish history and culture. Its meaning, "my light," makes it a fitting choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Morriah has seen a varied but consistent presence in the United States over the past few decades, according to the available statistics.
From 1986 to 2013, there were a total of 41 babies born with the name Morriah. The years with the highest number of births were 2008 and 1999, each with 9 and 6 births respectively. These years indicate that Morriah was quite popular during these periods.
The years 1986, 1997, 2009, 2011, and 2013 also saw a consistent number of babies named Morriah, with 5 births each year. This shows that while the name might not have been extremely popular, it was still being chosen for newborns on an annual basis.
It's worth noting that these statistics only represent a small fraction of total births in the United States during these years. However, they do provide insight into how often and when the name Morriah has been used over time.