Marah is a unique and distinctive female given name of Hebrew origin. The name Marah comes from the Hebrew word "marah," which means "rebellious" or " Contentious." It is believed to have been derived from the verb "marar," meaning "to be bitter."
The name Marah appears in the Bible, specifically in Exodus 15:23-24. In this passage, the Israelites, after wandering in the wilderness for some time, find themselves without water. They complain to Moses, who turns to God for help. God tells Moses to strike a rock with his staff, and water will come forth. However, when the people drink from it, they find the water bitter. The place is called Marah, which means "bitter."
Despite its somewhat negative connotation, the name Marah has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries. Parents may choose this name for their daughters because of its unique sound and distinctive meaning, even if it's not directly associated with positive traits or events.
In summary, Marah is a Hebrew girl's name that means "rebellious" or "bitter." Its origins can be traced back to the Bible, where it was used to describe a place with bitter water. While its meaning might seem unappealing, many parents find the name Marah appealing because of its uniqueness and distinctive sound.
The name Marah has been quite popular in the United States over the past few decades, with a total of 2,309 babies given this name since 1964.
In the early years, the number of births was relatively low, with only five babies named Marah in 1964. However, the popularity of the name began to grow in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1977 and 1978, there were thirteen births each year, marking a significant increase from previous years.
The peak of Marah's popularity came in the mid-1990s. Between 1995 and 2004, the number of babies named Marah increased dramatically, reaching as high as 117 births in 2004. This decade saw a total of 863 babies named Marah.
Since then, the popularity of the name has decreased somewhat but has remained consistent. Between 2010 and 2023, there have been an average of about 25 births per year with the name Marah, indicating that it is still a popular choice for parents in the United States today.
Overall, these statistics show that while the popularity of the name Marah has fluctuated over time, it has remained a consistent and popular choice among parents in the United States.