Mara

In Hebrew tradition it’s often connected with the idea of ‘bitterness’; in modern usage it may also be chosen simply for its sound.

Mara is a feminine given name that is short, clear, and widely used in modern contexts. While it appears in multiple cultures and languages today, one well-known reference point is Hebrew and biblical tradition, where the name-form Mara is connected to the idea of bitterness. Etymologically, many sources link Mara to the Hebrew word marah, commonly glossed as “bitter,” and the biblical story where the name reflects an emotional state. Because the same spelling is also used outside that tradition, contemporary usage doesn’t always carry the same explanatory frame; some families choose Mara primarily for its simplicity and sound rather than a literal meaning. Pronunciation in English is often MAH-rah, with two syllables and a broad “ah” vowel. A practical tip is that Mara is easy to spell, but it can be confused with similar short names in writing, so it helps to say it clearly once. If you prefer the explicitly biblical spelling, you may also see Marah in some sources.

Etymology: Often linked to the Hebrew word marah, ‘bitter,’ known from biblical usage (including the name-form ‘Mara’); the name is also used across multiple cultures, so meaning can depend on context.