Moriah is a place name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Biblical מֹרִיָה (Moriya), which may mean "seen by Yahweh." It appears in the Old Testament as the land where Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22:2) and as the mountain where Solomon built the First Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1). Since the 1980s, it has occasionally been used as a feminine given name in America. Etymology The Hebrew name Mōriyyā has uncertain etymology. It is often interpreted as "seen by Yahweh" (from ra'ah "to see" and the divine name Yah), reflecting the narrative where God provides a ram as a substitute sacrifice. Alternative suggestions include tying it to the Hebrew word mōr (myrrh). Biblical and Historical Context In Judaism and Christianity, Moriah is associated with the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where both the binding of Isaac and the construction of Solomon's Temple are traditionally placed. This identification is explicit in 2 Chronicles 3:1. In contrast, the Samaritan Pentateuch reads "Moreh" (as in the oak/site of Moreh near Shechem) and identifies the location with Mount Gerizim near modern Nablus. This divergence reflects the historical rivalry between Jewish and Samaritan traditions. In Islam, the event is recounted in the Qur'an (Surah 37:102-109), where the mountain is unnamed but sometimes identified with Marwa (as in Al-Safa Al-Marwah), though Marwa is more commonly a hillside near the Kaaba in Mecca. Modern Usage As a first name, Moriah has been in occasional use since the 1980s, particularly in the United States. It is predominantly feminine. Variants include the simplified spelling Moria, used in Hebrew and other languages. The name Moriah appears slightly higher in popularity than Moria. Notable Bearers Moriah M. Gibson (born 1995), Canadian actress Moriah R. Jeffries, singer from Lincoln, Nebraska Key Facts Meaning: possibly "seen by Yahweh" (Hebrew) Origin: Biblical place name (Mount Moriah / Temple Mount) Type: Feminine given name (modern); also surname & place name Usage regions: United States (since 1980s)