Biblical Meaning of the Name Mary: From Miriam
The voice of Jesus from our film series.
Where the name comes from
Mary is from Miriam (Miryam), a Hebrew name whose origin is uncertain. Traditional etymologies include "beloved" (from an Egyptian root related to mry), "bitter" (from mar), and "rebellious" (from marah). Behind the Name lists the first two as most likely. No one meaning is proven.
Mary in the Bible
Miriam is Moses's older sister, who watched over him in the basket in the Nile. Six women in the New Testament are called Mary, including the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Mary of Bethany.
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.
A blessing for Mary
Mary, may you have Mary's yes when God asks you something you cannot yet see the shape of. May you be a place where His word is welcome.