Mara Name Meaning & Origin
Mara
Origin of the name Mara:
Derived from the Hebrew marah (bitterness). The name is borne in the Bible by Naomi after the deaths of her husband and sons.
From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman.
Related Names:
Looking for the perfect name? Try the Name MatchMaker to find the perfect baby name for you!
NameVoyager
US Popularity of Mara Over Time

Sister & Brother Names
Know a Mara? What are her siblings named?
Name Lists Featuring Mara
- Spanish Girls Names: Most Popular Names for Girls in Spain 2014
- German Girls Names: Most Popular Names for Girls in Germany 2014
- Swiss Girls Names: Most Popular Names for Girls in Switzerland (German)
- Spanish Girls Names: Most Popular Names for Girls in Spain, 2010
- Portuguese Girls Names: Most Popular Names for Girls in Portugal 2012
- Spanish Girls Names: Most Popular Names for Girls in Spain 2012
- Spanish Girls Names: Most Popular Names for Girls in Spain
- German Girls Names: Most Popular Names for Girls in Germany
- Portuguese Girls Names: Most Popular Names for Girls in Portugal
- Swiss Girls Names: Most Popular Names for Girls in Switzerland
Contribute your knowledge to the name Mara
- Comments and insights on the name Mara
The Meaning is amazing :D
- Personal experiences with the name Mara
My name is Mara. I love it. When I was a kid I wanted a more common name that I didn't have to spell or pronounce for people. I still get a little annoyed when people call me Marla or Maria. As an adult, I like my name and get many complements. I've only met one other Mara in my life. I'm glad my mom chose such a unique and pretty name for me.
- Nicknames for Mara
For a nickname people usually call me mar.
- Meanings and history of the name Mara
In Latvian mythology, Mara is the highest goddess.
Gaelic word for "sea"
A Hindu goddess of destruction, death, winter, and the moon.
Of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "bitter"or "sorrow". Biblical: Naomi, mother-in-law of Ruth, claimed the name Mara as an expression of grief after the deaths of her husband and sons
If you precede it with Kila, it is Swahili for always.- Famous real-life people named Mara
Mara Liasson, NPR correspondent
Mara Wilson, child actress
Rooney Mara, actress
Kate Mara, actress
Mara (surname unknown), name expert aka @neuftet on the site- Mara in song, story & screen
"Mara Jade" in the Star Wars Expanded Universe was an Emperor's Hand who originally wanted to kill Luke Skywalker, but ended up marrying him and becoming a powerful Jedi.
Mara Jaffray, character on television show House of Anubis.
Mara Dyer, character in the Mara Dyer trilogy by Michelle Hodkins.
Mara Brooks, one of McKenna's twin sisters in the American Girl McKenna books