What does Maire mean and where does it come from?
Maire is an Irish variant of the name Mary, which can have multiple interpretations, primarily meaning 'bitter' or 'beloved.' The name has deep roots in both Irish and Scottish cultures, often celebrated for its connection to religious traditions, especially within Christianity. There are numerous v
Cultural significance
Maire has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.
Peak popularity
Reached #1929 in 1901 — currently #10823 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Maire?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Maire?
Maire works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maire Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Maire Rose
Floral · soft ending
Maire Mae
Sweet · timeless
Maire Claire
French influence · crisp
Maire Jane
Literary · strong
Maire Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Maire right now?
Rising fast — up 2240 spots — currently #10823 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #10823 | 9 | ▲ up 2240 · +29% births |
| 2022 | #13063 | 7 | ▼ down 2844 · -22% births |
| 2020 | #10219 | 9 | ▼ down 43 · -10% births |
| 2015 | #10176 | 10 | ▲ up 316 |
| 2010 | #10492 | 10 | ▼ down 2568 · -29% births |
| 2005 | #7924 | 14 | ▼ down 731 |
| 2000 | #7193 | 14 | ▲ up 945 · +40% births |
| 1995 | #8138 | 10 | ▼ down 2814 · -41% births |
| 1990 | #5324 | 17 | ▲ up 401 · +42% births |
| 1985 | #5725 | 12 | ▼ down 139 |
| 1980 | #5586 | 12 | ▼ down 1682 · -20% births |
| 1970 | #3904 | 15 | ▲ up 1006 · +88% births |
| 1965 | #4910 | 8 | ▲ up 371 · +14% births |
| 1960 | #5281 | 7 | ▼ down 1636 · -36% births |
| 1955 | #3645 | 11 | — |
The story of Maire
Maire entered American naming records in 1901 and has been in use for over 123 years. With 892 total births recorded, Maire remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3576 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10823 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Maire in 1901:
Maire by decade
Maire peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 51 | |
| 1920s | 80 | |
| 1930s | 29 | |
| 1940s | 33 | |
| 1950s | 61 | |
| 1960s | 82 | |
| 1970s | 56 | |
| 1980s | 104 | |
| 1990s ★ | 165 | |
| 2000s | 127 | |
| 2010s | 90 | |
| 2020s | 9 | |
💎Maire has only 892 total recorded births since 1901 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Maire?
Famous people named Maire
M(
Maire (Irish revolutionary)
Maire carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
M(
Maire (Irish saint)
Maire helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
M(
Maire (Irish poet or writer)
Maire used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
M(
Maire (Irish revolutionary)
Maire carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Maire?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maire also consider these
Common questions about the name Maire
What does the name Maire mean?
Maire means "Irish" — a name rooted in Irish 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 Maire?
Maire is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Maire?
Maire originates from Irish tradition. Irish 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 Maire?
Maire is a one-syllable name pronounced M EH1 R. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Maire sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Maire flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Maire ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.