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Mara

Girl name · 339 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Mara: 339 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 42 births in 2024.

Mara has two principal roots, but for English speakers the more familiar is the Hebrew מָרָא (Marah), meaning "bitter" – a name taken by Naomi in the biblical Book of Ruth after her hardships. It also appears as a Slavic and Scandinavian short form of Mary, giving it a softer, international appeal. Famous bearers include American actress Mara Wilson (Matilda, Mrs. Doubtfire) and the Italian film director Mara Chiaretti. While no major Scottish place takes its name from a bearer, the name itself appears as a village name in several countries, including a Mara in East Ayrshire. A notable variant is the Irish Máire, but Mara stands alone as a concise, melodic choice that has grown steadily in Scotland since the 1990s.