Holding steady, #587 for girls today.
Popularity of Mara since 1892
Babies named Mara per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 6 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 67 |
| 1920s | 130 |
| 1930s | 145 |
| 1940s | 327 |
| 1950s | 1,417 |
| 1960s | 1,940 |
| 1970s | 2,565 |
| 1980s | 2,623 |
| 1990s | 3,889 |
| 2000s | 4,038 |
| 2010s | 3,852 |
| 2020s | 3,039 |
Meaning & origin
Mara has been in consistent use in the United States since at least 1892, with its peak popularity occurring in 2021. It currently ranks 587th for girls as of 2025, with a frequency of 1 in 3,221. The name shows a stable trajectory, and is most popular in states like South Dakota, Hawaii, and Minnesota. Its dual etymological roots in Hebrew and Gaelic give it a layered resonance, while its simplicity and cross-cultural appeal have helped it endure without ever becoming overly common.
Mara appears in the Hebrew Bible as a name taken by Naomi, meaning bitter (from marah). In Gaelic, Mara can also mean sea (from muir). The name has been used in various cultures, notably in Scandinavia as a short form of Margareta. In the 20th century, it gained international popularity and remains in steady use.
Where Mara is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Mara” around the world
Where Mara lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
50
babies in 2024
Ireland
12
babies in 2025
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Sibling names for Mara
Names that share Mara's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Anastasia, Sage, Reina, Astrid, Miriam, Hosanna, Salome, Shani, Tamarra, Tana, Teara, Tera, Dava, Delana, Karah, Lynae, Manda, Meranda, Merari, Sharae, Talitha, Tammara, Tanna, Tarah, Tari, Terah, Abra, Anah, Ardena, Chera, Daena, Daiana, Jera, Karra, Kimara, Lari, Lecia, Marea, Marnee, Serah, Shelah, Tais, Tammra, Taria, Terria, Benay, Caralee, Darah, Darrah, Gara, Ketsia, Kimra, Larra, Larua, Marca, Marixa, Marra, Mauriana, Melora, Naarah, Shar, Sharra, Tarra, Tarrah, Acsa, Candas, Chala, Cova, Deara, Derra, Farra, Hara, Ineze, Kare, Kelsa, Laria, Mahli, Naamah, Sharisa, Sorina, Stela, Tahra, Tamrah
Brothers: Erik, Julian, Simon, Miles, Owen, Misael, Aram, Elam, Lamarr, Cezar, Kyre, Marico, Maron, Reuel, Revan, Sorin, Calian, Dagon, Leomar, Markey, Marz, Sevan, Yago, Edmar, Alano, Daric, Demarr, Gilmar, Jarmon, Jarris, Kadarrius, Maricus, Mory, Nevyn, Raymar, Revin, Shammah, Travoris
Names like Mara
Names whose popularity has moved with Mara's over the last 50 years.
