Mariah

Mariah is a form associated with Maria and Mary, whose ultimate meaning remains uncertain. Traditional interpretations of the Mary family vary, and none should be treated as a definitive translation of Mariah. The final “h” and familiar English pronunciation help distinguish it visually and aurally from some uses of Maria.

Mariah Carey gives the spelling a prominent musical association. Mari and Riah can serve as shorter everyday forms, while Maria offers a close family connection with a different written ending. Families naming a child after a Mary or Maria can use Mariah to preserve that relationship while giving the new name its own recognizable sound and shape.