The name Miriam has its origins in ancient Hebrew, derived from the root word "mar" meaning "bitter" or "rebellious." It is believed to be one of the oldest recorded female names in the world, dating back to around 1300 BCE.

In the Hebrew Bible, Miriam is the name of the sister of Moses and Aaron, who played a significant role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The Book of Exodus describes her as a prophetess and a leader among her people. Her name is mentioned in several ancient texts, including the Torah and the Quran.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Miriam comes from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, where it is spelled "Mry-Amun," meaning "beloved of Amun" (the ancient Egyptian deity). This suggests that the name may have been in use in the region even before its appearance in Hebrew texts.

Throughout history, there have been numerous notable individuals named Miriam. One of the earliest was Miriam the Prophetess, the biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Exodus, who lived around the 13th century BCE. Another notable Miriam was Miriam of Tyana, a Christian saint and martyr who lived in the 3rd century CE.

In the Middle Ages, Miriam was a popular name among Jewish communities across Europe and the Middle East. One notable figure from this period was Miriam Montefiore (1784-1860), a philanthropist and wife of Sir Moses Montefiore, who worked to improve the lives of Jewish communities worldwide.

During the Renaissance, Miriam gained popularity among Italian and Spanish families. One notable Miriam from this era was Miriam Camerini (1545-1605), an Italian poet and scholar who wrote extensively on literary and philosophical topics.

In more recent history, Miriam has continued to be a popular name across various cultures and religions. Notable individuals include Miriam Makeba (1932-2008), a South African singer and civil rights activist; Miriam Defensor Santiago (1945-2016), a Filipino lawyer and politician; and Miriam Margolyes (born 1941), a British actress known for her roles in films like Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.