Maryam is the Arabic and Qur’anic form of Mary, from the Hebrew Miryam. Its first meaning is uncertain; “beloved” and “devout worshipper” are common explanations. Muslims choose it for Maryam (peace be upon her), the mother of the Prophet Isa and the only woman named in the Qur’an. In 2025 Maryam was 52nd among girls in England and Wales.
What does Maryam mean?
Maryam is one of the oldest names still in use, and nobody is completely sure what it first meant. The main suggestions are:
- “Beloved”, from an Egyptian word mry, “love”.
- “Wished-for child” or “rebellion”, from Hebrew roots.
- “Bitter” or “sea of bitterness”, an old explanation from Hebrew mar.
- “Devout worshipper” or “servant of God”: several classical commentators on the Qur’an said this was the meaning in the language of her people, fitting her mother’s vow to devote her to Allah (3:35).
In Iran, the word is also used for the tuberose flower, named after Maryam.
How do you pronounce Maryam?
Say MAR-yam, with the stress on the first syllable. In Urdu and Persian the second vowel is often softer: MAR-yum.
How do you spell Maryam? Spellings and variants
- Maryam: the most popular spelling in England and Wales.
- Mariam, Maryum, Mariyam, Meryem (Turkish).
- English Mary, Miriam and Maria share the same root.
How popular is Maryam in the UK?
Maryam is one of the most popular Muslim girls’ names in England and Wales. In 2025, 825 girls were named Maryam, up from 752, moving it five places up to 52nd.
| Spelling | Rank in 2025 | Babies in 2025 | Change since 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryam | 52 | 825 | up 5 places |
| Mariam | 259 | 179 | down 10 places |
Maryam (peace be upon her) in the Qur’an
Maryam is the only woman named in the Qur’an, and her name appears more than thirty times. Surah Maryam (19) is named after her. Her mother, the wife of Imran, promised her child to Allah’s service before she was born (3:35–36), and the Prophet Zakariya became her guardian; whenever he visited her prayer room he found provision with her from Allah (3:37).
The angels told her, “O Maryam, Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds” (3:42). She was given the news of a son, Isa, though no man had touched her (19:16–21), and gave birth alone beneath a palm tree, where Allah provided fresh dates and a stream (19:23–26). When her people accused her, she pointed to the baby, who spoke from the cradle (19:29–30). The Qur’an holds her up as an example for all believers (66:12).
Her son Isa’s story is one of the five in the Hudhud book. Our guide to Prophet Isa for kids tells the story of Maryam and Isa for children, and our Islamic gifts for girls suggests books about the great women of Islam.
What middle names go with Maryam?
What are nicknames for Maryam?
Mimi and Mae are popular for little ones, and some girls called Maryam go by Mary or Maz at school.
What are good sibling names for Maryam?
- Sisters: Hannah (the name tradition gives her mother), Asiya, Khadijah, Fatima
- Brothers: Isa, Yahya, Zakariya, Yusuf
Sources and further reading
- ONS, Baby names for girls in England and Wales, 2025 edition (released 9 July 2026)
- Qur’an 3:42, Maryam chosen above the women of the worlds
- Qur’an 19:16–34, Surah Maryam: the birth of Isa
- Qur’an 66:12, Maryam as an example
- Sahih al-Bukhari 3432, the best of women
- Wiktionary, مريم: etymology and root
Frequently asked questions
What does Maryam mean in Islam?
Maryam is the Qur’anic form of Mary. Its original meaning is uncertain; “beloved” and “devout worshipper” are common explanations. Muslims choose it for Maryam, the mother of the Prophet Isa.
Is Maryam mentioned in the Qur’an?
Yes. Maryam is the only woman named in the Qur’an, more than thirty times, and Surah Maryam (19) carries her name. The angels told her, “Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds” (3:42).
How popular is Maryam in the UK?
In 2025, 825 girls were named Maryam in England and Wales, up from 752, making it joint 52nd, its highest place since ONS records began in 1996. That is about 1 in 345 girls.
Is Maryam a lucky name?
No name is lucky in Islam (Sahih al-Bukhari 5776), but few carry more honour: the Prophet said that Maryam, daughter of Imran, was the best of the women of her time (Sahih al-Bukhari 3432).
Is it Maryam or Mariam?
Both are transliterations of مريم. Maryam is far more common in England and Wales, with 825 girls in 2025; Mariam was given to 179 girls and ranked 259th (ONS).
What are nicknames for Maryam?
Mimi and Mae are popular for little ones, and some girls called Maryam go by Mary or Maz at school.
What are good middle names for Maryam?
Maryam Fatima, Maryam Aisha, Maryam Noor, Maryam Zainab and Maryam Hana are lovely pairings.
Is Maryam in the Hudhud book?
The story of her son, the Prophet Isa, is one of the five in Hudhud, with Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa and Muhammad (peace be upon them).