Find out how popular the first name Mara has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mara by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Mara is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Mara being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 513 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mara.

The history of the first name Mara

The name Mara is believed to have its origins in the Sanskrit language, with roots in ancient India. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "mara," which means "death" or "destroying." In Hindu mythology, Mara is the name of a demon who personifies temptation, sin, and death, acting as the chief adversary of the Buddha.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Mara can be found in Buddhist scriptures, particularly the Pali Canon. In these texts, Mara is depicted as a powerful demonic force that attempts to prevent the Buddha from attaining enlightenment. The name symbolizes the spiritual obstacles and temptations that one must overcome on the path to enlightenment.

The name Mara has also been associated with the Latin word "mare," meaning "sea." In this context, the name may have been used to describe someone with a connection to the sea or maritime activities. However, this connection is less well-established than the Sanskrit origin.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Mara. One of the earliest recorded instances is Mara bar Serapion, a Stoic philosopher who lived in the 1st century AD. He is known for a letter he wrote describing the persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire.

Another historical figure with the name Mara is Saint Mara of Camargue, a 6th-century Christian martyr from France. Legend has it that she was executed for her faith during the reign of the Frankish King Clovis I.

In the realm of literature, Mara is the name of a character in the epic poem "Paradise Lost" by John Milton (1608-1674). In the poem, Mara is a fallen angel who tempts Eve in the Garden of Eden, leading to the downfall of humanity.

Mara Dyer is the protagonist of a young adult novel series written by Michelle Hodkin, which was popular in the 2010s. The character's name adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the story, reflecting the character's struggles with supernatural events.

In the field of art, Mara was the name of a prominent Russian painter, Mara Belasheva (1900-1938), known for her avant-garde style and association with the Russian avant-garde movement in the early 20th century.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Mara was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Mara, please contact us.

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