Girl · 293rd of 35,406
Miriam
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
116,900
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1924
Peak Popularity Year
1,834
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Miriam stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Miriam is a Hebrew name meaning 'sea of bitterness,' 'rebellion,' or 'wished for child.' It has evolved through various languages from its biblical roots. The name is associated with strength and resilience due to its biblical relevance, particularly as the sister of Moses. It has gained popularity over the centuries and is perceived positively in modern culture.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɪr.i.əm/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Miriam is derived from the Hebrew name מִרְיָם (Miryam), which may mean 'sea of bitterness,' 'rebellion,' or 'wished for child.'
Meaning
sea of bitterness, rebellion, wished for child
Language Evolution
Miryam (Hebrew), Miriam (Latin), Mireille (Old French), Miriam (English)
Biblical Background
Miriam is a significant figure in the Bible, recognized as the sister of Moses and Aaron.
Historical Usage
The name Miriam gained popularity in Western cultures during the Renaissance and experienced a resurgence in the 20th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Miriam, Miryam, Maria, Mireille, Mira
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Miriam is viewed as a classic and timeless name with strong cultural and historical associations.
Famous People
Miriam Makeba, South African singer and civil rights activist, Miriam Margolyes, British actress, Miriam Defensor Santiago, Filipino politician and lawyer
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,834 peak births in 1924
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in New York
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 1 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5165th of 7545 | 28 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4830th of 6773 | 28 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 5099th of 7552 | 31 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5732nd of 10718 | 48 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5577th of 16616 | 120 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 17464th of 24088 | 19 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 21740th of 23106 | 6 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 158th of 9107 | 26,580 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 226th of 9204 | 14,918 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 292nd of 12526 | 17,144 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 363rd of 19264 | 10,557 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 303rd of 27321 | 14,038 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 293rd of 35406 | 17,414 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 279th of 30306 | 13,896 |