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I like the meaning. I interpret it as bitterness from having gone through something very hard, but having the strength to get through it and overcome it. I pronounce it MAR-a, so neither option of yours but closer to the first way. I had a Mara in my class in 2nd grade and that's how she said it. I've always thought it was very pretty.

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Of those I like Mara, Sarah, and Sara. I like Dara for a boy. Cara, Kara, Tara, and Fara/Farrah are the only ones I'd say are dated, and Yara and Vara are somewhat unusable. Mostly because I've never heard of them.