What does Mairead mean and where does it come from?
Mairead (pronounced 'Mire-id' or 'Mairead') is an Irish name and is a variant of 'Margaret'. In Irish culture, the name signifies purity and beauty, akin to the precious value of a pearl. The name has been used throughout Irish history and is relatively popular in contemporary society among those of
Cultural significance
Mairead has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.
Peak popularity
Reached #2465 in 1997 — currently #4019 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Mairead?
Mairead works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mairead Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Mairead Rose
Floral · soft ending
Mairead Mae
Sweet · timeless
Mairead Claire
French influence · crisp
Mairead Jane
Literary · strong
Mairead Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Mairead right now?
Rising fast — up 1724 spots — currently #4019 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #4019 | 37 | ▲ up 1724 · +68% births |
| 2022 | #5743 | 22 | ▼ down 1057 · -24% births |
| 2021 | #4686 | 29 | ▲ up 196 · +12% births |
| 2020 | #4882 | 26 | ▲ up 625 · +8% births |
| 2015 | #5507 | 24 | ▼ down 1384 · -33% births |
| 2010 | #4123 | 36 | ▲ up 29 · +6% births |
| 2005 | #4152 | 34 | ▼ down 1113 · -26% births |
| 2000 | #3039 | 46 | ▼ down 221 · +7% births |
| 1995 | #2818 | 43 | ▲ up 758 · +43% births |
| 1990 | #3576 | 30 | ▲ up 3682 · +233% births |
| 1985 | #7258 | 9 | ▲ up 3851 · +80% births |
| 1980 | #11109 | 5 | — |
The story of Mairead
Mairead is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1967. With 1,262 total births recorded, Mairead remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11109 in 1980 to #4019 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Mairead in 1997:
Mairead by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 6 | |
| 1970s | 37 | |
| 1980s | 102 | |
| 1990s | 346 | |
| 2000s ★ | 460 | |
| 2010s | 285 | |
| 2020s | 26 | |
💎With 1,262 total births, Mairead is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Mairead?
DANISH
GreteGretheMereteMetaMetteRita
ENGLISH
GretaGretchenGrettaJorieMadgeMaeMaeganMaeghanMaggieMamieMargeMargieMargoMarjeMayMaymeMeaganMeaghanMegMeganMeghanMidgePegPeggiePeggyRethaRita
What names sound and feel like Mairead?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mairead also consider these
How is Mairead written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Mairead
What does the name Mairead mean?
Mairead 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 Mairead?
Mairead is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Mairead have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Mairead?
Mairead 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 Mairead?
Mairead is a two-syllable name pronounced M EY1 R EH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Mairead trending right now?
Mairead is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.