Meriam
Meriam was not among the names given to 5 or more girls in 2025. Its best year was 1923, when it ranked 1343rd with 35 babies. More babies were named Meriam in the 1920s than in any other decade.
Meaning (as Miriam) Origin uncertain · Hebrew
- Rank in 2025
- Not rankedgirls
- Babies in 2025
- 0girls
- Girls and boys
- Almost always a girl’s name2021–2025
- Peak year
- 192335 babies
- Total since 1880
- 1,391babies recorded
What does the name Meriam mean?
Meriam is a spelling of Miriam, pronounced the same way, so it shares Miriam's meaning and origin.
Miriam is the Hebrew name of the prophetess, sister of Moses and Aaron, in the Book of Exodus. Wiktionary says its meaning has been debated for centuries: a link with a root meaning 'to be bitter' is common, while others suggest 'rebellion' or other senses. DMNES, under Mary, notes that Mary and Miriam are the same name and were treated as one in the Middle Ages. Mira, Miri and Mimi are pet forms, as Wikipedia notes.
מִרְיָם (Biblical Hebrew, “Miryam”)
How sure is this? Uncertain. Meaning debated: 'bitter', 'rebellion' and other proposals.
Related names: Mary, Maria, Myriam, Mirjam, Mira, Miri.
See also: Hebrew names.
Sources for this meaning
- Wiktionary, entry 'Miriam', Wiktionary (Wikimedia Foundation); facts restated, no text reused
- Hebrew Bible, Exodus 15:20, JPS translation with notes (via Sefaria), Sefaria; verse reference and facts only, not quoted
- Dictionary of Medieval Names from European Sources, ed. S. L. Uckelman, Edition 2023 no. 1, s.v. 'Mary', Durham University / The DMNES Editors
- Wikipedia, 'Miriam (given name)', Wikipedia (Wikimedia Foundation); facts restated, no text reused
Meriam popularity since 1880
| Year | Rank (girls) | Babies (girls) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — |
| 2020 | #14,534 | 6 |
| 2010 | #9,065 | 13 |
| 2000 | #8,377 | 12 |
| 1990 | #7,157 | 12 |
| 1980 | #11,488 | 5 |
| 1970 | #8,842 | 5 |
| 1960 | #7,002 | 5 |
| 1950 | #3,167 | 12 |
| 1940 | #2,676 | 11 |
| 1930 | #2,001 | 18 |
| 1920 | #1,394 | 33 |
| 1910 | #2,319 | 6 |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
How popular is Meriam, counting every spelling?
Meriam is a spelling of Miriam, a name family that ranked #265 for girls in 2025 once every spelling is counted together. Together these spellings went to 1,289 girls in 2025.
Spellings count together when they sound the same in American English and are used for the same sex; nicknames and forms that sound different (such as Theo and Theodore) are kept apart. How we group spellings.
How old are people named Meriam?
About 800 people born in the US named Meriam are alive today, with a median age of 28; half are between 16 and 63. That makes Meriam mostly worn by children and young adults. The wide spread shows a name popular in two different eras.
Babies given the name each year (SSA) times the share of that birth year still alive (SSA life tables). Counts people born in the US only. Method.
Names with a similar history
These names rose and fell in step with Meriam: their share of US girls followed the most similar curve since 1880. If you like Meriam, they share its era and feel.
Questions about the name Meriam
What does Meriam mean?
The origin of Miriam is uncertain: Meaning debated: 'bitter', 'rebellion' and other proposals.
How popular is the name Meriam?
Meriam was not among the names given to 5 or more girls in 2025. Its best year was 1923, when it ranked 1343rd with 35 babies. More babies were named Meriam in the 1920s than in any other decade.
Is Meriam a boy or girl name?
In 2021–2025, almost always a girl’s name given the name Meriam in the US.