We’ve decided on the name [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] for our daughter due in [name_f]May[/name_f]. And I’m just curious if anyone has a little [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] (or knows a little [name_f]Miriam[/name_f]) and could tell me how the name is heard and received by others. Like, do people recognize the name when they hear it? [name_f]Do[/name_f] they know how to spell it? What sorts of comments do you get from others on the name? I’m wondering, in part, because our older daughter’s name is [name_f]Anna[/name_f], which is so simple and readily understood, and because I’ve never met a [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] myself! [name_f]TIA[/name_f]!
[name_f]Anna[/name_f] and [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] are lovely together!
I don’t know any little Miriams, but there are two lovely grown Miriams, who, several years ago, were great mentors to me. They were both gracious, kind, motherly, sweet women who encouraged me and believed in me, and I loved being around them! I still think of them fondly to this day, even though I’ve not seen either in a few years. (Plus, [name_f]Miri[/name_f] is THE cutest nn ever.) [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] is certainly not a HUGE favorite, but I have such good associations with the name that it makes me smile when I hear it. I can say when I hear it on Nameberry, it mostly has good reactions, and I think most people seem to like it in general, and, as a Bible name, I think a good chunk of people will be familiar with it and know how to spell it, but I could be wrong. 
Good luck!
I [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] [name_f]Miriam[/name_f], especially with [name_f]Anna[/name_f]. I can’t say I have ever met one in person, but I would immediately recognize the name and know how to spell and pronounce it due to characters in books, people in the news, etc.
I also know two grown Miriams!
I don’t think they ever have felt like they have an unusual name.
One goes by the nn [name_m]Muir[/name_m] and the other [name_f]Mima[/name_f] 
I have a [name_f]Mariam[/name_f] and we get a ton of compliments on her name! Some people spell it [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] but correcting them isn’t a big deal for us. It’s usually recognized and very well received.
[name_f]Miriam[/name_f] is a pretty well established name. [name_m]Even[/name_m] if people have never met a [name_f]Miriam[/name_f], I’m fairly confident most in an English speaking country could spell it with ease. The only [name_f]Miriam[/name_f]‘s I’ve ever known were an older woman (she’s now passed) and an adult woman, so no children, but I actually wouldn’t call it uncommon. I find [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] to be a name with an understated elegance to it and it pairs lovely with [name_f]Anna[/name_f], which has the same feel to me.
My husband’s aunt is named [name_f]Miriam[/name_f]. From what I know there are very few spelling problems with the name. Beautiful choice!
[name_f]Miriam[/name_f] is a beautiful name and an underused and appreciated gem. Among the many meanings for [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] we find online I think Wished for Child is the most beautiful and I love the connection to the sea as well. There are many Miriams in the Bible, among them [name_m]Moses[/name_m]’ sister who is a vital character in the Exodus and also all of the [name_f]Mary[/name_f]'s were Miriams as well, the Virgin [name_f]Mary[/name_f], [name_f]Magdalene[/name_f], [name_f]Mary[/name_f] of [name_f]Bethany[/name_f] etc. I would totally use [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] if I had a 6th girl, because I know that if my baby’s a girl she’ll be [name_f]Anouk[/name_f].
I have nevet met anyone with this name but I think it’s gorgeous and very familiar.
I’ve known one adult [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] who was very warm and really elegant. I personally love [name_f]Miriam[/name_f]. It’s delicate, beautiful and something about it makes it look/feel a little whimsy. [name_u]Love[/name_u] the NN [name_f]Miri[/name_f] too.
Gorgeous choice, I really love [name_f]Miriam[/name_f]!
I know two, actually — both around my age (mid 20s) — and as far as I know neither has any problems with their name. One goes by [name_f]Mimi[/name_f] and the other by [name_f]Mim[/name_f] (which I love!)
[name_f]Anna[/name_f] and [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] are great together!
I once had a social worker who was named [name_f]Miriam[/name_f]: she was compassionate, intelligent, and a huge help to me during some difficult times. I never considered her name to be unusual and never asked what she thought about it.
I know two Miriams, both late teens, who both wear it well. Both go by their full name, but I agree that [name_f]Miri[/name_f] is the prettiest of nns.
I’ve only ever met one [name_f]Miriam[/name_f], and she was lovely. I thinks it’s instantly recognisable, and people will probably spell it correctly.
Thanks for the comments and the stories!
It’s interesting that so far no one knows a little [name_f]Miriam[/name_f]! It’s #293 in popularity–so not that usual or unusual. But maybe there’s a lot more Miriams in particular communities, like the Jewish community, and that throws off its perceived popularity?
I feel like [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] is a big name, maybe a little serious. So we’re definitely planning on using [name_f]Miri[/name_f] as a nickname at first, til she grows into it.
I have known one [name_f]Miriam[/name_f]. No one had problems with it. It’s a truly beautiful name!
I’ll bite: I know a bunch of little Miriams!
In my circles it’s a name that is more common, and my school-aged kids have friends named [name_f]Miriam[/name_f]. I know girls who go by [name_f]Mimi[/name_f] and [name_f]Miri[/name_f]. 2 of my closest friends growing up were Miriams, and I have one in my family also. [name_m]Just[/name_m] met a baby [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] this week
It’s a really lovely name, with strong historical significance, and plenty of opportunity for nicknames if you want them.
Great choice!