Find out how popular the first name Oriah has been for the last 25 years (from 1999 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Oriah by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Oriah is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Oriah being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 32 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Oriah.

The history of the first name Oriah

The name Oriah is believed to have its origins in the Hebrew language, with roots that can be traced back to ancient times. It is thought to be derived from the Hebrew word "or," which means "light," or "ori," meaning "my light." This suggests that the name Oriah may have been originally given to individuals as a symbol of illumination, guidance, or spiritual enlightenment.

One of the earliest known references to the name Oriah can be found in the Bible's Second Book of Samuel, where it is mentioned as the name of a Hittite soldier who served under King David. This biblical mention dates back to around the 10th century BCE, providing evidence of the name's ancient usage within the Israelite and Hebrew cultures.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Oriah. One of the most famous was Oriah Whitehead, an American Quaker minister and abolitionist who lived from 1777 to 1838. He was a prominent figure in the anti-slavery movement and worked tirelessly to promote the abolition of slavery in the United States.

Another noteworthy individual was Oriah Delander, a Swedish-American author and poet who was born in 1849 and died in 1925. She was known for her works that explored themes of spirituality, nature, and the human experience.

In the 20th century, Oriah Mountain Dreamer, a Canadian author and philosopher, gained recognition for her inspirational writings and teachings on personal growth and spiritual awakening. She was born in 1954 and is best known for her book "The Invitation," which has been widely acclaimed and translated into several languages.

A more recent figure with the name Oriah was Oriah Aiah Halbert, an American artist and activist who lived from 1957 to 2020. She was a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community and used her art as a means of promoting social justice and raising awareness about issues affecting marginalized communities.

While the name Oriah may not be as common today as it once was, its rich history and meaningful origins make it a fascinating and culturally significant name. From ancient biblical references to modern-day figures, those who have borne the name Oriah have left a lasting impact on various fields and continue to serve as a testament to the name's enduring legacy.

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

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

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