Her Name: Maren
January 8th, 2008 by JoeOkay, many have asked, so…
How is it pronounced? (turn your volume up)
Maren Pronounced (Press Play)Maren Pronounced
Where did it come from?
Well, my brother-in-law (L L) thought that I must have come up with the name Maren from some Greek or Latin word. Though, it didn’t happen that way. Maren is the name of one of our friends from college (you’re right, Jennifer…Danica’s sister!) Suzanne and I have both really liked that name for a long time and had the opportunity to use it, so we did!
What does it mean?
The most common usage of the name seems to be in Scandinavian countries (esp. Norway) and, hence, carries the meaning of “Pearl,” so Maren Grace would mean “Pearl of Grace” or, you might say, a very valuable undeserved gift! And that she is!
If we were to utilize the Hebrew meaning of the word “maren,” which is “bitter,” Maren Grace would be translated Bitter Grace. This would carry great significance, too, for much of the grace (undeserved gifts) we receive from the Lord may at first taste very bitter (e.g. labor pains, for instance!), but then manifest themselves as great blessings. We appreciate your prayers and pray that Maren Grace would live up to her name.
January 8th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
What a beautiful name for a beautiful child! She really does look alot like Riven did, but with very dark hair! By the way, Riven means to burst or tear, Victoria means victory, so to burst forth Victoriously! Pretty much the way it was and is and who knows! I also like that Riven and Maren sound alike…sort of?! Okay, the last 2 digits are the same!
January 8th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I love her name and the meaning!
Its beautiful! 
Plus, its easy to pronounce and say! I’m going to call her ‘Maren Grace’ since I love the combo of the meanings of both names…after reading the newest post! 
Keep her baby pictures coming on the blog! She is totally precious! 
January 9th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Oh that’s right! I remember Maren Cousins! It is a good name. So beautiful.
January 9th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Oh, that is beautiful…Both meanings of Maren Grace are so fitting and special.
I really do love her name and already it seems to fit her.
I really really really want more pictures and especially some of Evan and Maren together.
Much Love,
Nana
January 9th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
i wondered if she was named after maren! i love it! wow for all that research… in all your spare time joe, why don’t you find out what our kids names mean so we can tell them someday!
hope that ALL is going well for EVERYONE! we love you & miss you!
January 10th, 2008 at 7:56 am
Wow, congratulations on the new arrival. Beautiful girl and lovely name. It is quite a common name in the Faroe Islands, spelt Marin, but never knew the meaning.
With two kids in the house I’m sure there will be many ‘poopy times’ coming up…
See you soon
Allan
January 10th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
It’s a beautiful name, I love it, what a sweet meaning too!!!
January 10th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
yay!!! i wasn’t sure if maren cousins was maren or something else that sounded like it but anyhoo, i never knew the meaning and agree with everyone else….love the name, love the meaning, LOVE the baby!!!
way to have some stylish hair maren!
i think i was born with as much hair as her!
she’s lucky to have some hair for her possible hair bows that may possibly help distinguish her as a GIRL!…my little kate is still pretty bald! and i can’t bring myself to put those headbandy things on her…oh well! one day she will have hair!
but back to maren grace - she is a blessed little girl! indeedy do!
January 11th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I’d just like to think I’m your favorite sister and really wanted to name your first girl after me but you didn’t want to make it that obvious to the rest of our siblings so you just replaced the K with an M….and it still sounds the same.
Yeah, don’t lie.