Miriam: meaning of the Hebrew name
מִרְיָם
Pronounced meer-YAHM
Meaning of Miriam
Miriam the prophetess, sister of Moses and Aaron, led the women with timbrels and dancing at the Red Sea. The name may come from an ancient Egyptian word meaning beloved.
And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
וַתִּקַּח מִרְיָם הַנְּבִיאָה אֲחוֹת אַהֲרֹן אֶת־הַתֹּף בְּיָדָהּ וַתֵּצֶאןָ כׇל־הַנָּשִׁים אַחֲרֶיהָ בְּתֻפִּים וּבִמְחֹלֹת׃
Miriam in Hebrew
Miriam is written מרים in Hebrew (with vowel points: מִרְיָם). Hebrew is read from right to left.
- מMem
- רResh
- יYod
- מMem
Gematria value: 290 (Mem 40 + Resh 200 + Yod 10 + Mem 40)
About the name
- GenderGirl
- OriginBiblical
- Meaningbeloved
- Pronunciationmeer-YAHM
- Hebrewמרים
- Syllables2
Popularity in Israel
In 2024, Miriam ranked #16 among girls' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (722 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #13, in 2020.
All years 2014-2024
| Year | Rank | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 16 | 722 |
| 2023 | 17 | 704 |
| 2022 | 16 | 688 |
| 2021 | 17 | 753 |
| 2020 | 13 | 798 |
| 2019 | 20 | 678 |
| 2018 | 22 | 686 |
| 2017 | 22 | 659 |
| 2016 | 22 | 697 |
| 2015 | 20 | 698 |
| 2014 | 25 | 615 |
Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), first names given to Jewish newborns, 2014-2024. Ranks cover the 150 most common names per year.
Similar names
Questions about Miriam
What does the name Miriam mean?
Miriam the prophetess, sister of Moses and Aaron, led the women with timbrels and dancing at the Red Sea. The name may come from an ancient Egyptian word meaning beloved.
How do you pronounce Miriam?
Miriam is pronounced meer-YAHM in modern Israeli Hebrew. The syllable in capital letters is stressed.
How do you write Miriam in Hebrew?
Miriam is written מרים in Hebrew (with vowel points: מִרְיָם).
Is Miriam a biblical name?
Yes. Miriam appears in the Hebrew Bible, in Exodus 15:20.
How popular is the name Miriam in Israel?
In 2024, Miriam ranked #16 among girls' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (722 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #13, in 2020. Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.
What is the gematria of Miriam?
In gematria, the Hebrew spelling מרים adds up to 290 (Mem 40 + Resh 200 + Yod 10 + Mem 40).
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This name in Hebrew: מרים
