What does Maura mean and where does it come from?
The name Maura is of Irish and Latin origin. In Irish, it is often associated with the meaning ‘bitter’ while in Latin, it historically indicated a person with darker features. The name has seen use in both Ireland and areas heavily influenced by Irish culture, particularly among Roman Catholics. No
Cultural significance
Maura has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bitter.
Peak popularity
Reached #468 in 1964 — currently #1640 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Maura?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Maura?
Maura works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maura Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Maura Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Maura Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Maura Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Maura Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Maura Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Maura right now?
Rising fast — up 177 spots — currently #1640 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1640 | 127 | ▲ up 177 · +14% births |
| 2024 | #1817 | 111 | ▼ down 576 · -88% births |
| 2023 | #1241 | 959 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1246 | 939 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1251 | 909 | ▲ up 344 · +599% births |
| 2020 | #1595 | 130 | ▼ down 110 · -16% births |
| 2015 | #1485 | 154 | ▼ down 240 · -20% births |
| 2010 | #1245 | 193 | ▼ down 432 · -39% births |
| 2005 | #813 | 318 | ▼ down 66 · +3% births |
| 2000 | #747 | 308 | ▼ down 50 · +2% births |
| 1995 | #697 | 303 | ▼ down 54 · -13% births |
| 1990 | #643 | 349 | ▲ up 34 · +31% births |
| 1985 | #677 | 267 | ▲ up 46 · +15% births |
| 1980 | #723 | 232 | ▲ up 75 · +33% births |
| 1975 | #798 | 174 | — |
The story of Maura
Maura entered American naming records in 1903 and has been in use for over 121 years. A total of 19,425 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3948 in 1915 to #1241 in 2023. Maura is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Maura in 1964:
Maura by decade
Maura peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 43 | |
| 1920s | 125 | |
| 1930s | 212 | |
| 1940s | 532 | |
| 1950s | 2,069 | |
| 1960s ★ | 3,651 | |
| 1970s | 2,177 | |
| 1980s | 2,698 | |
| 1990s | 3,263 | |
| 2000s | 2,902 | |
| 2010s | 1,618 | |
| 2020s | 368 | |
What are good nicknames for Maura?
What names sound and feel like Maura?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maura also consider these
Common questions about the name Maura
What does the name Maura mean?
Maura means "bitter" — 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 Maura?
Maura is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Maura?
Maura 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 Maura?
Maura is a two-syllable name pronounced MAW-ruh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Maura a common or rare name?
Maura is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.