1. Key Attributes of the Name Mariam
| Short meaning of Mariam | Virtuous, Pious, God-Fearing and Devoted to God See below for detailed meaning |
|---|---|
| How to pronounce Mariam | MUst + pRay + YUMmy Each block is a syllable. Thick black border indicates stress/emphasis. Other pronunciations are acceptable. |
| Arabic Spelling (How to write Mariam in Arabic) | مريم |
| Quranic Nature (Learn more...) | Directly Mentioned |
| Alternate spellings of Mariam | Merryum Maryam Meriem Maryamme Meriam Marium Maryum Merium Meriyem Meriyam Mereeme Mereemm Mereemme Mereem Mereame All of the above spellings are acceptable for this name. You may also create your own spelling. |
2. Detailed Meaning of Mariam
There are many different opinions on the meaning of the name Mariam. Hebrew sources say it means “bitter“, others say it means “wished for child“, and others say it means “Our Lady“. The only thing we know for certain is that it is the name of the mother of Prophet Isa/Jesus (peace be upon them). For this reason regardless of the name’s ancient origins, this name today describes the characteristics of Mary, mother of Jesus, such as her purity, constant worship, and devotion to Allah.
And We did certainly give Moses the Torah and followed up after him with messengers. And We gave Jesus, the son of Mariam, clear proofs and supported him with the Pure Spirit. (2:87)
God has also given examples of believers: Pharaoh’s wife, who said, ‘Lord, build me a house near You in the Garden. Save me from Pharaoh and his actions; save me from the evildoers,’ and Mariam, daughter of ‘Imran. She guarded her chastity, so We breathed into her from Our spirit. She accepted the truth of her Lord’s words and Scriptures: she was truly devout. (66:11-12)
(36) So when she delivered her, she said, “My Lord, I have delivered a female.” And Allah was most knowing of what she delivered, “And the male is not like the female. And I have named her Mariam, and I seek refuge for her in You and [for] her descendants from Satan, the expelled [from the mercy of Allah].”
(37) So her Lord accepted her with good acceptance and caused her to grow in a good manner and put her in the care of Zechariah. Every time Zechariah entered upon her in the prayer chamber, he found with her provision. He said, “O Mariam, from where is this [coming] to you?” She said, “It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills without account.” (3:36-37)
