The name Mariama is of West African origin, particularly from the Mandinka and Bambara ethnic groups of Mali and Senegal. It is derived from the Arabic name Maryam, which is the Arabic form of the biblical name Miriam, the name of the sister of Moses and Aaron in the Old Testament. The name Mariama is a variant of Maryam and has been in use since ancient times in West Africa.

The name Mariama is believed to have been brought to West Africa through the spread of Islam in the region, which began as early as the 8th century AD. As Islam became more widespread, Arabic names like Maryam and its variants, such as Mariama, became popular among the Muslim population of West Africa.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mariama is in the 13th-century Mandinka epic poem, the Sundiata, which tells the story of the legendary Mandinka ruler Sundiata Keita. In this epic, there is a character named Mariama, who is the sister of Sundiata.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Mariama. One of the most famous was Mariama Bâ (1929-1981), a Senegalese novelist and feminist writer who was one of the first women writers from West Africa to achieve international recognition. Her novel "Une si longue lettre" (So Long a Letter) is considered a classic of African literature.

Another notable Mariama was Mariama Traoré (1957-1999), a Malian singer and songwriter who was one of the leading voices of the Wassoulou genre of music. Her powerful and emotive vocals brought her international acclaim and she is considered one of Mali's most important cultural icons.

Mariama Niass (1926-2022) was a Senegalese educator and activist who played a significant role in promoting women's education and empowerment in her country. She was the founder of the Association of Senegalese Women Jurists and was awarded the prestigious UNESCO Prize for Peace Education in 1994.

Mariama Khan (1835-1905) was a West African princess and later a queen regent of the Khasso kingdom, which was located in present-day Mali and Guinea. She was known for her military prowess and for leading her troops in battles against French colonial forces in the late 19th century.

Mariama Jamanka (born 1990) is a German bobsledder of Gambian descent who has won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals in her sport. She is one of the most successful bobsledders in German history and has helped to raise the profile of the sport in her country.