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Home › Baby Names Directory › Miri

Miri

♀ Girl

Pronounced MEE-ree /ˈmi.ri/High

Meaning: Short form of Miriam — the prophetess sister of Moses, whose name is linked to 'beloved' or 'sea of bitterness'Medium

In 30 seconds: Miriam, made tiny and warm: Miri pets the prophetess who watched over baby Moses and sang at the sea's parting. Two bright syllables of one of the oldest names alive.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningShort form of Miriam — the prophetess sister of Moses, whose name is linked to 'beloved' or 'sea of bitterness'
U.S. rank (2025)#3329 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births47 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 871

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202219622025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Miri is a short form of Miriam (Hebrew Miryam) — the prophetess and elder sister of Moses, her name variously read 'beloved', 'sea of bitterness', or 'rebellious'; the root behind Mary, Maria, and Maryam. The pet form thrives in Israel and Jewish communities.

It registers thinly in the U.S., a fresh-feeling short form of an ancient name. Rare, warm, and matriarch-rooted.

Did you know? Miriam watched the basket carrying baby Moses on the Nile, then led Israel's women in song after the sea split — the Bible's first named prophetess, and the root of every Mary.
Overall data confidence 82%
Behind the Name — Miriam — root etymology, debated

Variations

MiriamMirjamMira

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • ★Miri Ben-Ari (1978-)
    Israeli-American violinist and producer known as the Hip Hop Violinist

If you like Miri…

Miriam— the full name it shortens
Mira— the sister short form
Maya— a fellow vowel-bright favorite
Tali— the companion modern Hebrew pick

Explore names like Miri

By themehebrewnickname-namejewish
By meaningLoveSea / Water

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Miri mean?

Miri is a short form of Miriam — the prophetess sister of Moses — linked to 'beloved' or 'sea of bitterness'.

How do you pronounce Miri?

It's said MEE-ree /ˈmi.ri/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Miri a boy or girl name?

Miri is a girl's name.

How popular is Miri?

Miri is rare in the U.S., familiar in Israel and Jewish communities.

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