Mara: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days offer a tradition, especially prominent in many European cultures, where individuals celebrate the saint or feast day associated with their given name, sometimes acting as a secondary birthday. The concise name Mara carries varied and deep historical roots, particularly in Hebrew and European traditions, contributing to its sustained popularity. Its diverse origin gives way to meanings like "bitter" alongside associations in other linguistic groups. The name exudes a graceful and strong tone, balancing classic elegance with modern sharpness. Mara is celebrated on various dates globally, including March 25th in Latvia and August 15th in both Bulgaria and the USA.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Mara's name day is celebrated
on March 25 in Latvia and
August 15 in Bulgaria and the USA.
The Story Behind This Name
The name Mara has a consistent but not overwhelmingly dominant presence in the United States naming landscape. While it possesses ancient roots, its rise in modern American usage accelerated modestly in the later decades of the 20th century. It often appeals to parents seeking a short, strong name that is globally recognized and easy to pronounce. Historical data shows that Mara has typically remained outside the top 100, maintaining its status as a steady yet relatively unique choice. Its simple phonetic structure ensures easy integration into various linguistic environments across the country.
Name origin and meaning
The name Mara has multiple independent origins across several major language groups. In its most widely recognized Hebrew origin, the name translates directly to the concept of "bitter" or "sorrowful." However, it also has strong roots in certain Scandinavian and Slavic languages, where it sometimes functions as a short form or variant. Furthermore, in some Southeast Asian and Hindu traditions, the name relates to metaphysical concepts, often associated with "death" or "destruction." Despite its seemingly somber Hebrew translation, it has historically been adopted for its phonetic simplicity and classical resonance.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Worldwide, Mara is overwhelmingly classified as a female given name, consistent across European, North American, and South American naming traditions. This classification is quite strict, and it is rarely adopted as a masculine name in any major region. In specific linguistic traditions, such as some Slavic countries, it may function as a familiar nickname for longer female names, but its identity remains feminine. Consequently, Mara is generally considered a strictly female name globally, rather than a unisex option.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Mara immediately evokes a strong yet elegantly refined mood. It possesses a concise power due to its two-syllable structure, lending it a sense of confidence and sharpness. The sound is simultaneously classic and timeless, suggesting sophistication without being overly ornate or complicated. It projects a balanced personality—neither excessively soft nor harsh—often resonating as mature and intellectually aware. This combination results in a vibe that is both authoritative and gracefully feminine.
Mirror Magic: Mara & Aram
Some names hold a hidden surprise—when reversed, they reveal another beautiful and valid name. This playful symmetry adds a unique charm, making the pair feel like secret reflections of each other. Whether by chance or design, these reversible names create a fascinating linguistic connection between two identities.
See also:
Aram: Name Day, Name Meaning & More Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Mara
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 6 – The Nurturer.
Keywords: Responsibility, family, love, service, harmony, compassion.
Positive Traits: Caring, nurturing, protective, supportive, artistic.
Challenges: Can be overbearing, self-sacrificing, or struggle with boundaries.
Life Path Meaning: A role centered around caregiving, relationships, and artistic pursuits.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 8 - The Achiever.
Traits: Ambitious, goal-oriented, authoritative, financially focused.
Strengths: Strong leadership, good at managing money, disciplined.
Challenges: Can be materialistic, dominant, or overly focused on success.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Venus - Love, Beauty, Harmony.
Venus rules love, beauty, and relationships, making names influenced by this planet exude charm, grace, and artistic sensibilities. Those with Venus-ruled names are often aesthetically inclined, diplomatic, and naturally attractive in their demeanor. They appreciate harmony in their surroundings and relationships, often seeking balance and fairness in all aspects of life.
Name days: Name Mara
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 Latvia | March | 25 | Mara, Marina, Marita, Marite |
 Bulgaria | August | 15 | Despina, Mara, Maria, Marian, Mariana, Mario, Mariyan, Masha, Mika, Mira, Panaiot |
 USA | August | 15 | Madonna, Malia, Mara, Maria, Mariah, Marian, Mariana, Maribel, Marie, Marisa, Marissa, Maritza, Marla, Mary, Maryann, Mimi, Miriam, Mitzy, Molly, Napoleon, Polly |
Name days: Similar names (Mara)
Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 Slovakia | January | 26 | Tamara |
 Lithuania | February | 2 | Kantvydas, Rytis, Valdemaras, Vandene |
| Latvia | March | 8 | Dagmara, Marga, Margita |
| Latvia | March | 22 | Dziedra, Giedra, Ralfs, Tamara |
| USA | March | 26 | Dudley, Geomar, Hunt, Hunter, Huntley, Xiomar, Xiomara |
| USA | April | 27 | Laverne, Sam, Samantha, Samara, Sami, Sammy, Samuel, Samuela, Ulises, Ulysses, Vern, Verna, Verne, Vernon, Zita |
 Russia | April | 28 | Tamara |
| Bulgaria | May | 1 | Ermelina, Ermen, Ermena, Ermenko, Maya, Tamara |
 France | May | 1 | Brieuc, Florine, Jérémie, Tamara |
 Greece | May | 1 | Isidora, Tamara |
 Spain | May | 1 | Andeoro, Berta, Oroncio, Paciencia, Tamar, Tamara, Teodardo |
 Ukraine | May | 1 | Jeremiah, Jeremy, Tamara |
| Russia | May | 2 | Tamara |
 Czechia | June | 3 | Tamara |
 Poland | June | 3 | Cecyliusz, Ferdynand, Klotylda, Konstantyn, Laurencjusz, Laurentyn, Laurentyna, Leszek, Paula, Tamara, Wawrzyniec |
| USA | August | 14 | Anahi, Athena, Tamara, Tamia, Tammie, Tammy, Tara, Taryn, Terra |
| Poland | August | 16 | Alfons, Alfonsyna, Ambroży, Domarad, Domarat, Joachim, Joachima, Roch |
| USA | October | 4 | Berenice, Bernice, Bonita, Bonnie, Bunny, Damara, Damaris, Fannie, Fanny, Frances, Francesca, Francesco, Francine, Francis, Francisco, Frank, Frankie |
| Lithuania | December | 12 | Dagmara, Gilmintas, Vaingede |
| Poland | December | 12 | Adelajda, Aleksander, Dagmara, Paramon, Suliwoj |
| Slovakia | December | 20 | Dagmara |
 Hungary | December | 29 | Tamara, Tamás |
Mara A Short Elegant Strong Name
Mara remains a favored female name in the USA, valued for its historical depth and simple, compelling structure in modern times. Its origins are remarkably diverse, yielding interpretations ranging from the Hebrew meaning of "bitter" to connections in Slavic languages and short forms of other classical names. The mood associated with Mara is one of balanced strength and undeniable sophistication, reflecting a timeless elegance. As a firmly established female identity worldwide, it provides an appealing alternative to longer, more elaborate choices. Celebrating its name day on dates like August 15th, Mara solidifies its place as a globally recognized and meaningful choice.
When Is Your Name Day?
Discover your name day quickly and easily with our name day search tool. Simply enter your name in the search box below, and you'll instantly see the exact date of your name day celebration. Find out when to celebrate and never miss a special occasion!
