What does Madra mean and where does it come from?
Madra is predominantly an Irish name that can symbolize loyalty and companionship, akin to the qualities associated with dogs. It is less common outside of Ireland but has gained some use in the United States among families with Irish heritage. The name has roots in ancient Gaelic culture, where dog
Cultural significance
Madra has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the name derived from 'madra' meaning 'dog'.
Peak popularity
Reached #4822 in 1936 — currently #1788 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Madra?
Madra works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Madra Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Madra Rose
Floral · soft ending
Madra Mae
Sweet · timeless
Madra Claire
French influence · crisp
Madra Jane
Literary · strong
Madra Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Madra right now?
Holding steady — currently #1788 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1788 | 412 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1793 | 392 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #1798 | 362 | — |
The story of Madra
Madra entered American naming records in 1936 and has been in use for over 88 years. With 26 total births recorded, Madra remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1798 in 2021 to #1788 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Madra in 1936:
Madra by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s ★ | 11 | |
💎Madra has only 26 total recorded births since 1936 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Madra?
What names sound and feel like Madra?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Madra also consider these
Common questions about the name Madra
What does the name Madra mean?
Madra means "the name derived from 'madra' meaning 'dog'" — 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 Madra?
Madra is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Madra?
Madra 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 Madra?
Madra is a two-syllable name pronounced M AA1 D R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Madra a common or rare name?
Madra is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.