Marah

♀ Girl

Marah Pronunciation

Marah is pronounced MAR-ah /ˈmɑr.ɑ/High

Meaning: From Hebrew marah, 'bitter' — the bitter spring of Exodus made sweet, and Naomi's chosen name of griefHigh

In 30 seconds: Bitterness turned sweet: Marah is the Exodus spring whose waters Moses healed — and Naomi's grief-name in Ruth. A name of honest sorrow and promised renewal.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningFrom Hebrew marah, 'bitter' — the bitter spring of Exodus made sweet, and Naomi's chosen name of grief

U.S. rank (2024)#3926 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births38 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2004

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,347

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Marah comes from Hebrew marah, 'bitter' — the desert spring sweetened in Exodus, and the name grieving Naomi briefly took ('call me Mara'). Kin to Mary's possible root, it carries sorrow and its healing in one breath.

It registers thinly in records. Rare, bitter-made-sweet at the root, and quietly profound.

Did you know? At Marah, the Israelites' first desert stop, the bitter water turned drinkable when Moses cast in a tree — making the name a story of bitterness redeemed.

Overall data confidence 82%

Behind the Name — Mara — root etymology

Variations

MaraMarra

Nicknames

Mar

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Marah…

Mara— the sister spelling from the same root

Naomi— the matriarch who chose the name in grief

Miriam— the possibly-related Mary source

Maren— a fellow soft M- favorite

→ See all names like Marah

Browse the whole category: All Hebrew names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Marah?

Marah is pronounced MAR-ah (/ˈmɑr.ɑ/). Press play above to hear Marah said aloud.

How do you say Marah?

Marah is said MAR-ah (/ˈmɑr.ɑ/). Press play above to hear Marah said aloud.

What does the name Marah mean?

Marah is Hebrew for 'bitter' — the Exodus spring whose waters were made sweet.

Is Marah a boy or girl name?

Marah is a girl's name.

How popular is Marah?

Marah is a rare name in the U.S.