The name Mariyah is of Arabic origin and has its roots in the ancient Semitic languages. It is derived from the word "maryam," which means "beloved" or "wished-for child" in Arabic. The name is closely associated with the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition, and her name is revered in both Islam and Christianity.

Mariyah is a feminine form of the name Maryam, which is mentioned in the Quran, the holy book of Islam. It is believed to have been in use since the 7th century AD when Islam emerged in the Arabian Peninsula. The name gained widespread popularity across the Middle East and North Africa, as well as regions with significant Muslim populations.

In the Christian tradition, the name Mariyah is linked to the Virgin Mary, who is revered as the mother of Jesus Christ. The name is mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible and has been in use among Christians since the early days of Christianity. It has been particularly popular in regions with strong Christian communities, such as parts of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mariyah can be found in the writings of the 8th-century Arab scholar Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad. He mentioned a woman named Mariyah bint Shurahbeel, who was known for her expertise in the Arabic language and poetry.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Mariyah. One of the most famous is Mariyah al-Qibtiyya (c. 622-637 AD), an Egyptian Coptic Christian who became a wife of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Another prominent figure is Mariyah al-Muqaddasa (c. 1256-1322), a Christian mystic and writer from what is now modern-day Lebanon.

In the realm of literature, Mariyah al-Astrulabi (c. 1210-1279) was a renowned Arab astronomer and mathematician from Seville, Spain. Mariyah al-Majritiyya (c. 1459-1494) was a celebrated Andalusian poet and calligrapher from Granada, Spain.

In more recent times, Mariyah Mustafa (1835-1903) was an influential Egyptian feminist and educator who played a significant role in promoting women's rights and education in the late 19th century.