The name Mariam has its origins in the ancient Aramaic language, which was widely spoken in the Middle East during the first millennium BC. It is derived from the Aramaic word "maryam," which means "beloved." The name was later adopted into other Semitic languages, such as Arabic and Hebrew, where it took on variations like "Maryam" and "Miriam."

One of the most famous historical references to the name Mariam is found in the Bible. In the New Testament, Mariam (or Mary in English) is the name of the mother of Jesus Christ. She is considered a highly revered figure in Christianity and is often referred to as the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The name Mariam has also been prominent in Islamic tradition. According to the Quran, Mariam (or Maryam in Arabic) was the mother of the prophet Isa (Jesus). She is regarded as one of the most virtuous women in Islam and is mentioned numerous times in the holy text.

Some of the earliest recorded examples of the name Mariam can be found in ancient Aramaic inscriptions and texts from the region of modern-day Syria and Iraq. One notable figure from antiquity who bore the name was Mariam, the wife of the Hasmonean leader John Hyrcanus I, who ruled Judea in the 2nd century BC.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Mariam:

1. Mariam al-Qibtiyya (c. 605–682 AD), an Egyptian Coptic Christian who became a wife of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
2. Mariam al-Astrabadi (c. 865–935 AD), a prominent female scholar and author from Persia during the Islamic Golden Age.
3. Mariam Baouardy (1846-1878), a Lebanese Melkite Greek Catholic nun who was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2015.
4. Mariam Petrosyan (1969-present), an Armenian-Russian writer known for her novel "The Gray House."
5. Mariam Habach Murib (1934-2018), a prominent Yemeni poet and women's rights activist.

The name Mariam has maintained its popularity across various cultures and religious traditions, reflecting its deep historical roots and significance in the religious and cultural heritage of the Middle East and beyond.