What does Deirdre mean and where does it come from?
Deirdre is a traditional Irish name that appears in the mythology of Celtic origins, specifically as a tragic heroine in the tale 'Deirdre of the Sorrows'. The name symbolizes sorrow and is linked to themes of love and loss. Its popularity has fluctuated over the years, and it became well-known in l
Cultural significance
Deirdre has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.
Peak popularity
Reached #333 in 1961 — currently #6478 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Deirdre?
Deirdre works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Deirdre Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Deirdre Rose
Floral · soft ending
Deirdre Mae
Sweet · timeless
Deirdre Claire
French influence · crisp
Deirdre Jane
Literary · strong
Deirdre Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Deirdre right now?
Rising fast — up 2720 spots — currently #6478 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #6478 | 18 | ▲ up 2720 · +64% births |
| 2022 | #9198 | 11 | ▼ down 2437 · -35% births |
| 2021 | #6761 | 17 | ▲ up 449 · +13% births |
| 2020 | #7210 | 15 | ▼ down 2215 · -44% births |
| 2015 | #4995 | 27 | ▲ up 131 |
| 2010 | #5126 | 27 | ▼ down 2068 · -48% births |
| 2005 | #3058 | 52 | ▼ down 1037 · -37% births |
| 2000 | #2021 | 82 | ▼ down 595 · -28% births |
| 1995 | #1426 | 114 | ▼ down 435 · -39% births |
| 1990 | #991 | 186 | ▼ down 143 · -3% births |
| 1985 | #848 | 191 | ▼ down 143 · -21% births |
| 1980 | #705 | 241 | ▼ down 93 · -7% births |
| 1975 | #612 | 258 | ▼ down 187 · -51% births |
| 1970 | #425 | 523 | ▼ down 25 · -4% births |
| 1965 | #400 | 544 | — |
The story of Deirdre
Deirdre entered American naming records in 1921 and has been in use for over 103 years. A total of 16,769 babies have received this name. Once ranked #5550 in 1925, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6478 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Deirdre in 1961:
Deirdre by decade
Deirdre peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 48 | |
| 1930s | 167 | |
| 1940s | 822 | |
| 1950s | 2,273 | |
| 1960s ★ | 6,318 | |
| 1970s | 3,123 | |
| 1980s | 2,049 | |
| 1990s | 1,205 | |
| 2000s | 544 | |
| 2010s | 205 | |
| 2020s | 15 | |
What are good nicknames for Deirdre?
What names sound and feel like Deirdre?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Deirdre also consider these
How is Deirdre written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Deirdre
What does the name Deirdre mean?
Deirdre means "Irish" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Deirdre?
Deirdre is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Deirdre have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Deirdre?
Deirdre originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Deirdre?
Deirdre is a two-syllable name pronounced D IY1 R D R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Deirdre trending right now?
Deirdre is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.