THE 2026 FIELD GUIDE IS HERERead the trend report
afrobabynamesFind a name

Mariam

/MAH-ree-am/Luganda & Swahili · a girl’s name

“A form of Mary/Maryam; its ultimate etymology is disputed.”

In Luganda

How to say it
MAH-ree-am
Given to
Girls
Used in
Uganda
How common
common

Every way to write it

The name & its alternative spellings

MariamMaryam

Nicknames & short forms

Mimi

From the same family

01Maria“A deeply cherished Christian name honoring Mary, the mother of Jesus”Lugandafemale→︎02Mariano“A form of Marianus, traditionally meaning “of Marius” or “Marian”; it is also often associated with Mary in Christian usage.”Lugandamale→︎

In Swahili

How to say it
MAH-ree-am
Given to
Girls
Used in
Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda
How common
very common

Every way to write it

The name & its alternative spellings

MariamMaryamMariamu

Nicknames & short forms

Mimi

From the same family

01Maria“A traditional Swahili name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”Swahilifemale→︎02Maridadi“Elegant, stylish, beautiful, or well-presented.”Swahiliany→︎