Mara

Bitter in the biblical Hebrew tradition; also a form of Maria.

Mara has more than one naming history. In the Hebrew biblical tradition, it means ‘bitter’: in Ruth 1:20, Naomi asks to be called Mara as an expression of her grief. That meaning belongs to a particular story, rather than describing a person's character. Mara is also a short form of Maria in Slavic naming traditions, including Croatian and Serbian Marija. Here the connection is to the Maria family, whose ultimate meaning is uncertain. It is therefore useful to distinguish the two routes instead of giving every Mara the same literal meaning. The soft opening M and clear R give Mara a welcoming sound with a little firmness at its centre. It may appeal if you like a name that feels direct rather than elaborate. English speakers use several first-vowel sounds, so a spoken introduction can convey the version you prefer.

Etymology: The Hebrew name and the Slavic short form of Maria are distinct routes to Mara. Maria ultimately belongs to the Miriam family, whose meaning is uncertain.