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

Popularity of Moriah by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Moriah is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Moriah being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 245 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Moriah.

The history of the first name Moriah

The name Moriah has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Hebrew words "mora" (meaning "fear" or "reverence") and "Yahweh" (the Hebrew name for God). The name is associated with Mount Moriah, a significant location in the Bible where Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his son Isaac.

In the Book of Genesis, Mount Moriah is mentioned as the place where Abraham built an altar to sacrifice Isaac as a test of his faith in God. However, an angel of the Lord intervened, and Abraham was instructed to sacrifice a ram caught in a thicket instead. This event holds immense significance in the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Moriah is found in the Bible itself, specifically in the Book of Genesis. Although the name is not used as a personal name in the Bible, it is associated with the sacred mountain where Abraham's sacrifice took place.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Moriah. One of the earliest examples is Moriah Moore (1766-1826), an American schoolteacher and author who wrote educational books for children. Another notable figure is Moriah Woodeson (1817-1894), an English-born Australian poet and writer known for her works on colonial life in Australia.

In more recent times, Moriah Peters (born 1992) is an American contemporary Christian music artist and songwriter. Moriah Plath (born 2001) is an American reality television personality who appeared on the TLC show "Welcome to Plathville."

Another person of note is Moriah Wilson (born 1987), an American actress and singer known for her roles in various television shows and films. Additionally, Moriah Cary (1716-1776) was an American Revolutionary War patriot and officer who fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill.

While the name Moriah has its roots in the Hebrew language and culture, it has been adopted and used by individuals from various backgrounds and nationalities throughout history, reflecting its enduring significance and appeal.

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 Moriah was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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