Faith Resources

Does the Name Mary Mean Anything?

Ginny Kubitz Moyer
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CNS photo by Gregory A. Shemitz, Long Island Catholic
Mary is the English translation of the Hebrew name Miriam. There are different opinions on what it means; some sources say that it means “bitter,” or “beautiful one,” while others say that it derives from the Egyptian word that means “beloved.” It was a common female name at the time of Jesus, as is evident from all the different Marys who show up in the Gospels. This popularity is likely due to the fact that Miriam was the name of the sister of Moses, a well-known woman in the Jewish tradition.

Ginny Kubitz Moyer
Ginny Kubitz Moyer is the author of the award-winning book Mary and Me: Catholic Women Reflect on the Mother of God. She lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area and blogs at randomactsofmomness.com.
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Hebrew nameMiriamQuestions of Faiththe name Marythe Virgin Maryvirgin mary

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