What does Mairi mean and where does it come from?
Mairi is a Scottish Gaelic form of Mary. It is often associated with traits of love and is derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, which is believed to mean 'wished for' or 'beloved'. The name is common in Scotland and among the Scottish diaspora. The first recorded use of the name dates back to the ea
Cultural significance
Mairi has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beloved.
Peak popularity
Reached #6350 in 1960 — currently #16370 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Mairi?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Mairi?
Mairi works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mairi Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Mairi Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Mairi Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Mairi Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Mairi Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Mairi Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Mairi right now?
Falling — down 1780 spots — currently #16370 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #16370 | 5 | ▼ down 1780 · -17% births |
| 2024 | #14590 | 6 | ▼ down 3406 · -25% births |
| 2020 | #11184 | 8 | ▲ up 5623 · +60% births |
| 2015 | #16807 | 5 | ▼ down 4327 · -37% births |
| 2010 | #12480 | 8 | ▼ down 2179 · -20% births |
| 2005 | #10301 | 10 | ▼ down 951 |
| 2000 | #9350 | 10 | ▲ up 4506 · +100% births |
| 1995 | #13856 | 5 | ▼ down 4305 · -17% births |
| 1980 | #9551 | 6 | ▲ up 111 · +20% births |
| 1975 | #9662 | 5 | ▼ down 3295 · -17% births |
| 1965 | #6367 | 6 | ▼ down 17 |
| 1960 | #6350 | 6 | — |
The story of Mairi
Mairi entered American naming records in 1960 and has been in use for over 64 years. With 278 total births recorded, Mairi remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6350 in 1960, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11184 in 2020.
Names that peaked alongside Mairi in 1960:
Mairi by decade
Mairi peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 22 | |
| 1970s | 16 | |
| 1980s | 41 | |
| 1990s | 36 | |
| 2000s ★ | 78 | |
| 2010s | 77 | |
| 2020s | 19 | |
💎Mairi has only 278 total recorded births since 1960 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Mairi?
What names sound and feel like Mairi?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mairi also consider these
Common questions about the name Mairi
What does the name Mairi mean?
Mairi means "beloved" — a name rooted in Scotland 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 Mairi?
Mairi 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 Mairi?
Mairi originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Mairi a common or rare name?
Mairi is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Mairi?
Mairi naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.