Maire

“bitter”

Irish origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#10823US 2023

9Births / yr

↑Rising

892All-time births

📅 Since 190100

How to pronounce Maire

MER

/ˈmɛr/ · stress on MER · 1 syllable

“bitter”

Irish origin · Girl name

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Maire right now?

Rising fast — up 2240 spots — currently #10823 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#10823 · Top 8.0%

1955

1960

1965

1970

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Maire

Best Year1945Rank #2992

Peak Count17

Average Rank#6353

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202322 years

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:

Mary Helen Anna Margaret Ruth

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?

Common

MaiMairMairieMairy

Famous people named Maire

Maire (Irish revolutionary)

Maire carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.

Maire (Irish saint)

Maire helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.

Maire (Irish poet or writer)

Maire used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.

Maire (Irish revolutionary)

Maire carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.

👑

Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Maire?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maire also consider these

Ireland · she who intoxicates

Zaire

Democratic Republic of the Con · Lingala

Moire

Irish · great, splendid

Jaire

American · He will awaken

Haire

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Taire

Ireland · Variant of Tara;

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.