מִרְיָם
Miriam / Miriam
“Wished-for child/bitter sea”
Miriam (מִרְיָם, Miriam) is a Hebrew girl's name meaning “wished-for child/bitter sea,” pronounced “mir-YAM.” The etymology is debated. Common interpretations include: from the Egyptian 'mry' (beloved/wished-for) + Hebrew 'yam' (sea); or from Hebrew 'mar' (bitter) + 'yam' (sea) = 'bitter sea,' reflecting the bitterness of slavery. The name predates the Exodus and may be partly Egyptian in origin, like Moses.
| Hebrew | מִרְיָם |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Miriam |
| English Name | Miriam |
| Meaning | Wished-for child/bitter sea |
| Pronunciation | mir-YAM |
| Gender | Girl |
| Category | Female Biblical Names |
| Variants | Maryam, Mary, Maria, Marie, Mara, Miri |
| Key Scripture | Exodus 15:20-21 |
Miriam is the first woman in the Bible called a prophetess, and her story spans the entire Exodus narrative. As a young girl, she watched over baby Moses in his basket on the Nile and boldly approached Pharaoh's daughter to suggest a Hebrew nurse — her own mother. Decades later, after the Red Sea parted and the Egyptians drowned, it was Miriam who grabbed a tambourine and led all the women of Israel in triumphant song and dance (Exodus 15:20-21). Her name — which later became Mary in Greek and is the most common female name in Western history — likely means 'wished-for child,' reflecting the desperate prayers of Israelite mothers during the slavery years.
Key Scripture: Exodus 15:20-21
“Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron's sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: 'Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted.'”
What Does Miriam Mean in Hebrew?
The name מִרְיָם is likely compound. Possible analyses include: מַר (mar, 'bitter') + יָם (yam, 'sea'); or from Egyptian 'mry' (beloved) + Hebrew 'yam'; or from מָרָה (marah, 'to rebel/be defiant'). The plurality of meanings may be intentional — Miriam was born in bitter times, beloved by her people, and defiant toward both Egypt and, on occasion, toward Moses himself.
Miriam in the Bible
Miriam is one of the three leaders of the Exodus alongside Moses and Aaron (Micah 6:4). She saved baby Moses, led the Song of the Sea, and served as prophetess to the women of Israel. When she died, the well that sustained Israel in the wilderness dried up (Numbers 20:1-2), suggesting that her merit provided water to the entire nation.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
In Jewish tradition, 'Miriam's Well' (Be'er Miriam) is said to have been a miraculous rolling rock that provided water throughout the wilderness wandering. It disappeared when Miriam died. The name Mary — the most common female name in Western civilization — is the Greek form of Miriam, connecting the prophetess of the Exodus to the mother of Jesus.
While Miriam itself is less common than its derivative Mary/Maria, it has been gaining popularity as parents seek the 'original' form. In Israel, Miriam is a classic name. Through its transformation into Mary/Maria, Miriam is arguably the most influential female name in human history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miriam
What does Miriam mean in Hebrew?
Miriam (מִרְיָם, Miriam) means “Wished-for child/bitter sea” in Hebrew. The etymology is debated. Common interpretations include: from the Egyptian 'mry' (beloved/wished-for) + Hebrew 'yam' (sea); or from Hebrew 'mar' (bitter) + 'yam' (sea) = 'bitter sea,' reflecting the bitterness of slavery. The name predates the Exodus and may be partly Egyptian in origin, like Moses.
How do you pronounce Miriam in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Miriam is “mir-YAM.” The name is written מִרְיָם in Hebrew script.
What does Miriam mean in Hebrew?
Miriam (מִרְיָם) has several possible meanings: 'wished-for child' (from Egyptian 'mry' + Hebrew 'yam'), 'bitter sea' (from Hebrew 'mar' + 'yam'), or 'rebellious one' (from 'marah'). The multiplicity of meanings reflects her complex character — she was born during Israel's bitter slavery, was beloved by her people, and could be both devotionally bold and defiantly challenging.
Is Mary the same name as Miriam?
Yes — Mary is the English form of the Greek Mariam/Maria, which is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew Miriam (מִרְיָם). The name traveled from Hebrew to Greek to Latin to English, changing pronunciation at each step but maintaining its core identity. The mother of Jesus was named Miriam in her original Hebrew context.
What was Miriam's role in the Exodus?
Miriam served three crucial roles: as a child, she saved baby Moses by watching over him in the Nile and arranging for her mother to nurse him; as a prophetess, she led the women in triumphal song after the Red Sea crossing; and as a leader, she co-led Israel alongside Moses and Aaron. The prophet Micah confirms: 'I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to lead you' (Micah 6:4).
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
More Female Biblical Names
Explore other names in the Female Biblical Names collection
Related Hebrew Names
Discover the Meaning Behind Every Biblical Name
Join 12,000+ Christians discovering the depth of Scripture through Biblical Hebrew.
Subscribe Free