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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Mara

66 replies

Hankthehonk · 20/07/2023 20:23

I'm just curious what people's opinions are on the name Mara. It's not too out there, but equally you don't see it often either.
We're pretty set on it if this baby is a girl.
We gave an older daughter named Rosa.
Most likely will go for Mara Elizabeth (middle name for a family member)

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octoberfarm · 21/07/2023 02:53

It goes beautifully with Rosa!

ChocChipHandbag · 21/07/2023 02:46

I know one, it’s a nice name. I also learned from her that it is the name of these rather cute creatures that run free at Whipsnade Zoo. They are about the size of a wallaby.

Mara
StrawBeretMoose · 21/07/2023 02:41

I think it is nicer on paper than in reality.
It's the kind of name that doesn't sound great in a lot of accents, and could sound too close to Myra for my liking.

If you like the sound maybe Martha or Maria or Marina if you like the sea association.

user1492757084 · 21/07/2023 02:30

I know a Mara from Latvia.
I like the name.
Mara Elizabeth goes well.
Rosa and Maraarelovely.
I also love Mary and Morag.

RachelNoire · 20/07/2023 21:11

Love it and the middle name and it goes so well with Rosa too.

Original poster
Hankthehonk · 20/07/2023 21:11

Thank you everyone, nice to see the mostly positive associations!
We're Scottish living in Scotland so the gaelic meaning is the one we knew about and liked. I also love Mairi but my MIL is Mary so we didn't want it to be too close. It's a happy accident actually that she's Mary and my mum is Morna, so Mara is a bit of a combo of both.

OP posts:
User6761 · 20/07/2023 20:58

I've never met a Mara - but I quite like it. Prefer Mairi, but I'm Scottish and like Scottish names! I went to school with a Mora and a Cara, like both those names too.

thatsmyumbrellaellla · 20/07/2023 20:49

There are a few Mara's in dd school so not an unusual name here. It means the sea in Gaelic

User63847484848 · 20/07/2023 20:45

Yes it does mean Bitter in Hebrew which rather spoils it for me but aside from that it’s quite pretty sounding, if a little harsh

nocoolnamesleft · 20/07/2023 20:44

Mara of the Acoma was a truly amazing strong character in Raymond Feist's/Janny Wurts' trilogy. Great role model.

User63847484848 · 20/07/2023 20:44

I have in my mind that it means ‘bitter’ but may have made that up!

ReeseWitherfork · 20/07/2023 20:42

Love it

LemonLimeDivine · 20/07/2023 20:41

A lovely name.

PickledScrump · 20/07/2023 20:37

It’s ok, inoffensive. I only know of one and she’s 12

RhosynBach · 20/07/2023 20:26

It’s lovely and goes well with Rosa

WanderingWitches · 20/07/2023 20:25

I think it's really nice. Not a name you hear often but it's not 'out there'.
Good choice!