Mariyah

Mariyah is an Americanized elaboration of Mariah which is a Russian form of Maria. It’s also sometimes considered an Arabic transliteration of Maria. Maria is the Latin form of the English Mary both of which are ultimately derived from Miriam. Miriam is a Hebrew name (Miryam), which is believed to have been an Egyptian name originally, derived from the element “mry” meaning “beloved” (which seems to be the most commonly accepted etymology). There are other unproven theories as to Miriam’s meaning, including “rebelliousness” and “wished for child”. The version Mariah was popularized by superstar singer and pop-culture diva Mariah Carey. Mariyah became a later embellishment following a hyperactive American trend that favors the “-iyah” suffix (other examples on the U.S. charts today include Aaliyah, Jaliyah, Kaliyah, Maliyah, Samiyah, Saniyah, Sariyah, Taliyah, Zaniyah and Zariyah). And, no. In case you’re wondering, we’re not kidding.