Their mother is the variegated cow Pricni, the mother cloud.

Their name means the shining, gleaming ones.
HYMN TO THE MARUTS (vii.56.

1-10).
Who, sooth, are the gleaming related heroes, the glory of Rudra, on beauteous chargers?
For of them the birthplace no man hath witnessed; they only know it, their mutual birthplace.
With wings expanded they sweep each other,[14] and strive together, the wind-loud falcons.
Wise he that knoweth this secret knowledge, that Pricni the great one to them was mother.[15] This folk the Maruts shall make heroic, victorious ever, increased in manhood; In speed the swiftest, in light the lightest, with grace united and fierce in power-- Your power fierce is; your strength, enduring; and hence with the Maruts this folk is mighty.
Your fury fair is, your hearts are wrothful, like maniacs wild is your band courageous.
From us keep wholly the gleaming lightning; let not your anger come here to meet us.
Your names of strong ones endeared invoke I, that these delighted may joy, O Maruts.
What little reflection or moral significance is in the Marut hymns is illustrated by i.38.

1-9, thus translated by Mueller: What then now?
When will ye take us as a dear father takes his son by both hands, O ye gods, for whom the sacred grass has been trimmed?
Where now?
On what errand of yours are you going, in heaven, not on earth?
Where are your cows sporting?
Where are your newest favors, O Maruts?
Where are blessings?
Where all delights?
If you, sons of Pricni, were mortals and your praiser an immortal, then never should your praiser be unwelcome, like a deer in pasture grass, nor should he go on the path of Yama.[16] Let not one sin after another, difficult to be conquered, overcome us; may it depart, together with greed.

Truly they are terrible and powerful; even to the desert the Rudriyas bring rain that is never dried up.