“Mairead (pronounced 'Mire-id' or 'Mairead') is an Irish name and is a variant of 'Margaret'”
Ireland origin · Girl name
♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls
#4019US 2023
37Births / yr
↑Rising
1.3kAll-time births
📅 Since 196700
How to pronounce Mairead
MAY·re
/ˈmeɪ.rɛ/ · stress on MAY · 2 syllables
“Mairead (pronounced 'Mire-id' or 'Mairead') is an Irish name and is a variant of 'Margaret'”
Ireland origin · Girl name
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.
Rising fast — up 1724 spots — currently #4019 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1980–2023#4019 · Top 3.0%
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
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
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Mairead
1995Rank #2818
46
#5076
↗Rising
1980 - 202312 years
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.
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.
Sibling names that pair with Mairead
For a sister
Mairead & Nora♡
Mairead & Riley♡
Mairead & Quinn♡
Mairead & Connor♡
For a brother
Mairead & Ryan♡
Mairead & Connor♡
Mairead & Declan♡
Mairead & Brianna♡
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Worldwide ranking · 2023
Country
Rank
🇺🇸 USA
#4019
🇬🇧 UK
—
🇨🇦 Canada
—
🇦🇺 Australia
—
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