What does Maureen mean and where does it come from?
Maureen is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Maolmhuire, meaning 'bitter.' The name became popular in the 20th century, particularly in Ireland and among Irish-American communities. It reflects a common naming theme among Irish names where underlying meanings can be related to nature or attribute
Cultural significance
Maureen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bitter.
Peak popularity
Reached #88 in 1948 — currently #4424 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Maureen?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Maureen?
Maureen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maureen Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Maureen Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Maureen Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Maureen Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Maureen Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Maureen Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Maureen right now?
Rising fast — up 562 spots — currently #4424 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #4424 | 32 | ▲ up 562 · +19% births |
| 2024 | #4986 | 27 | ▼ down 3915 · -98% births |
| 2023 | #1071 | 1,129 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1076 | 1,109 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1081 | 1,079 | ▲ up 3446 · +3621% births |
| 2020 | #4527 | 29 | ▼ down 936 · -33% births |
| 2015 | #3591 | 43 | ▼ down 19 · -2% births |
| 2010 | #3572 | 44 | ▼ down 1466 · -50% births |
| 2005 | #2106 | 88 | ▼ down 880 · -46% births |
| 2000 | #1226 | 162 | ▼ down 449 · -37% births |
| 1995 | #777 | 257 | ▼ down 280 · -48% births |
| 1990 | #497 | 491 | ▼ down 149 · -27% births |
| 1985 | #348 | 672 | ▼ down 68 · -24% births |
| 1980 | #280 | 881 | ▼ down 3 |
| 1975 | #277 | 877 | — |
The story of Maureen
Maureen has been a beloved American name for over 128 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1896. Its peak popularity was #88 in 1948. More than 144,434 babies have been named Maureen since 1896. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1658 in 1905 to #1071 in 2023. Maureen is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Maureen in 1948:
Maureen by decade
Maureen peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 12 | |
| 1900s | 91 | |
| 1910s | 703 | |
| 1920s | 1,981 | |
| 1930s | 11,488 | |
| 1940s | 30,322 | |
| 1950s ★ | 42,899 | |
| 1960s | 34,534 | |
| 1970s | 10,703 | |
| 1980s | 7,144 | |
| 1990s | 3,018 | |
| 2000s | 1,034 | |
| 2010s | 476 | |
| 2020s | 88 | |
What are good nicknames for Maureen?
ENGLISH
MoMollieMollyPolliePollyReenie
What names sound and feel like Maureen?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maureen also consider these
How is Maureen written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Maureen
What does the name Maureen mean?
Maureen 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 Maureen?
Maureen 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 Maureen?
Maureen 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 Maureen?
Maureen is a two-syllable name pronounced maw-REEN. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Maureen a common or rare name?
Maureen is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.