Mara is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the word "marah," which means "rebellious" or "bitter." In biblical history, Mara is mentioned as the wife of Nachor and the mother of Abraham's brother Haran. According to the story in Genesis, Mara was initially named Sarai, but her name was changed by God after He promised to bless her and make her the matriarch of a great nation.
Despite its negative connotation, the name Mara has been popular among various cultures throughout history. In medieval Europe, Mara was used as both a female and male name, often associated with the Virgin Mary due to the similarity in sound between "Mara" and "Maria." Additionally, Mara was a common name among Slavic peoples, particularly in Poland and Ukraine.
Today, Mara continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their daughters. While it may not have the same positive associations as some other names, Mara's biblical history and connection to Abraham's family make it an intriguing option with deep roots in ancient history.
The statistics provided show the number of babies named Mara born each year in the United States from 1982 to 1989. In 1982 and 1983, there were 5 and 6 births respectively, indicating that the name Mara was not exceptionally popular during these years. However, it is important to note that even with a lower number of births, each child named Mara is unique and special.
In 1989, there was another birth of a girl named Mara, bringing the total number of Mara births from 1982 to 1989 up to 16. This shows that while not widespread in popularity during this time period, the name Mara was still chosen by some parents for their daughters.
It is fascinating to observe trends in naming patterns over time, and these statistics provide a snapshot of how the name Mara was used during these years. However, it is essential to remember that each child named Mara has her own individual personality and story, regardless of how many others share her name.
In conclusion, while the name Mara may not have been extremely popular between 1982 and 1989 in the United States, with a total of 16 births during this period, it is still a name that holds significance for those families who chose it. Each child named Mara brings her own unique qualities to the world, making her a special and valuable addition to society.