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Mariama

Girl name · 3 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Mariama: 3 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 3 births in 2022.

Mariama is a West African name, particularly widespread in Gambia and Senegal, derived from the Arabic Maryam, which itself comes from the Hebrew Miriam, traditionally meaning "beloved" or "wished-for child." The most celebrated bearer is Mariama Bâ, the pioneering Senegalese author whose novel *So Long a Letter* became a classic of African feminist literature. The name also appears among contemporary figures such as filmmaker Mariama Diallo. While no specific places are named directly after a Mariama, the root Maryam is shared with countless towns and churches worldwide. In Muslim-majority West Africa, the name honours Mary, mother of Jesus, who holds a revered place in both Islam and Christianity, making it a cross-cultural choice beloved across many communities.