Girl Name · Hebrew Origin
Mara
Mara — a girl name from the Hebrew tradition — is an uncommon, standout choice. Its meaning, "Bitter", anchors the name in something deeper than sound alone. If Mayra is on your shortlist, Mara belongs in the same conversation.
Mara meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Bitter
Origin: Hebrew naming roots help connect Mara to related Hebrew baby names.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Mara as M·A·R·A, with 4 letters and a girl usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Mara is an uncommon, standout choice in the Rare tier.
Mara variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Maraa, Marae, Maray, Mar.
- Nicknames: Mara works as its own nickname.
- Middle names: Pair Mara with a middle name that balances its short sound; start with the Mara middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Mayra, Maira, Maura, Myra, Mira — full picks on the sibling names for Mara guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Mara? Browse our names like Mara guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Mara
What does the name Mara mean?
Mara means "Bitter" and is of Hebrew origin.
What is the origin of Mara?
Mara originates in Hebrew naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Mara?
Mara has 4 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Mara a boy's or girl's name?
Mara is primarily used as a girl's name in US records.
How popular is Mara in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Mara sits in the Rare tier — an uncommon, standout choice.
What names are similar to Mara?
Names that share Mara's sound and style include Mayra, Maira, Maura, Myra, Mira.
What middle names pair well with Mara?
Good middle-name fits for Mara pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Mara is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Mara is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Mara?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Mara share its rhythm without rhyming — Mayra, Maira, Maura all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.