Mara

Meaning bitter
Origin Celtic, German, Hebrew, Slavic
Gender Girl
Popularity Moderate
Length 4
Syllables 2
Syllabification Ma-ra

About Mara

Mara strikes with immediate impact—a name that's simultaneously ancient and contemporary, simple yet profound. This two-syllable choice creates a strong, clear sound that's impossible to forget. Mara carries an understated power, the kind of name that doesn't need embellishment to make its presence known.

The name's brevity might suggest simplicity, but Mara holds layers of cultural and literary significance that give it unexpected depth. It appears across different traditions and time periods, demonstrating remarkable staying power. Parents who choose Mara often appreciate names that are straightforward yet substantial, accessible yet distinctive.

Mara works beautifully in multicultural families, being pronounceable across languages while maintaining its essential character. The name suggests someone confident, direct, and unafraid to stand out. It carries a slightly mysterious quality—intriguing without being obscure, memorable without being flashy. Mara represents refined minimalism in name form.

Variations of Name Mara

Marra
Mariana
Marissa
Marielle
Marietta
Maribel
Marlena

Nicknames for Mara

Mar
Mimi
Maree
Marzee
Mary
Mara

Famous People Named Mara

Mara WilsonAmerican actress and writer known for her roles in "Matilda" and "Mrs. Doubtfire"
Mara Brock AkilAmerican television writer and producer, creator of "Girlfriends" and "Being Mary Jane"
Mara CarfagnaItalian politician and former showgirl
Mara LiassonAmerican political correspondent for NPR
Mara AbbottAmerican professional cyclist and Olympian
Mara LaneAmerican actress and wife of actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Mara SchiavocampoAmerican journalist and correspondent for ABC News
Mara VenierItalian television presenter and actress
Mara JustineAmerican singer, known for competing on "American Idol"
Mara RoszakAmerican celebrity hairstylist

Characters Named Mara

Mara SovCharacter in the video game franchise Destiny, a queen and leader of the Awoken race
Mara DyerProtagonist of the Mara Dyer trilogy by Michelle Hodkin, a young girl with mysterious powers
Mara, Princess of XanthosCharacter in the "Xanth" fantasy series by Piers Anthony
Mara JadeCharacter in the "Thrawn" trilogy of Star Wars novels by Timothy Zahn