What does Eliza mean?
A short form of Elizabeth, from the Hebrew, “God is my oath.”
What does Miriam mean?
An ancient Hebrew name of debated meaning, variously read “beloved,” “bitter,” or “of the sea.” Miriam is the sister of Moses.
Eliza vs Miriam
Which is more popular?
Eliza is more popular than Miriam today: about 2,370 US babies were given the name Eliza in 2025, compared with 1,262 named Miriam.
| Eliza | Miriam | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | God is my oath | Of debated origin |
| Origin | Hebrew | Hebrew |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | ih-LY-zuh | MEER-ee-um |
| Syllables | 3 | 3 |
| First appeared | 1880 | 1880 |
| Peak year | 2021 (2,484) | 1924 (1,834) |
| In 2025 | 2,370 | 1,262 |
| Trend | Near its peak | Steady |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Eliza
Miriam
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Eliza | Miriam |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 14,227 | 7,334 |
| 2010s | 17,726 | 10,927 |
| 2000s | 9,608 | 11,356 |
| 1990s | 4,750 | 10,071 |
| 1980s | 2,774 | 7,729 |
| 1970s | 1,725 | 6,433 |
| 1960s | 1,007 | 8,084 |
| 1950s | 1,057 | 9,544 |
| 1940s | 1,391 | 7,107 |
| 1930s | 1,817 | 8,348 |
| 1920s | 3,227 | 15,504 |
| 1910s | 3,289 | 11,048 |
| 1900s | 2,397 | 2,566 |
| 1890s | 2,723 | 1,397 |
| 1880s | 2,851 | 462 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Eliza or Miriam more popular?
Eliza is more popular than Miriam today: about 2,370 US babies were given the name Eliza in 2025, compared with 1,262 named Miriam.
What is the difference between Eliza and Miriam?
Eliza means God is my oath (Hebrew origin), while Miriam means Of debated origin (Hebrew origin).
Which name is older, Eliza or Miriam?
In US records, Eliza first appears in 1880 and Miriam in 1880, so Eliza has the longer recorded history.