What does Moira mean and where does it come from?
Moira is of Gaelic origin, and it is often associated with the name Mary. It is common in both Ireland and Scotland. The name has a long history and has been borne by various notable figures, including Irish poet Moira O'Neill. The name was popularized in the mid-20th century and continues to see us
Cultural significance
Moira has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from 'maolmhuire', meaning 'servant of mary'.
Peak popularity
Reached #833 in 1965 — currently #2047 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Moira?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Moira?
Moira works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Moira Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Moira Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Moira Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Moira Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Moira Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Moira Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Moira right now?
Falling — down 139 spots — currently #2047 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2047 | 93 | ▼ down 139 · -11% births |
| 2024 | #1908 | 105 | ▼ down 110 · -7% births |
| 2023 | #1798 | 113 | ▲ up 267 · +20% births |
| 2022 | #2065 | 94 | ▼ down 392 · -25% births |
| 2021 | #1673 | 125 | ▲ up 122 · +15% births |
| 2020 | #1795 | 109 | ▼ down 160 · -17% births |
| 2015 | #1635 | 131 | ▲ up 407 · +35% births |
| 2010 | #2042 | 97 | ▼ down 452 · -24% births |
| 2005 | #1590 | 128 | ▼ down 158 |
| 2000 | #1432 | 128 | ▼ down 99 · +3% births |
| 1995 | #1333 | 124 | ▲ up 773 · +100% births |
| 1990 | #2106 | 62 | ▼ down 195 · +7% births |
| 1985 | #1911 | 58 | ▼ down 263 · -17% births |
| 1980 | #1648 | 70 | ▲ up 92 · +30% births |
| 1975 | #1740 | 54 | — |
The story of Moira
Moira entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 7,406 total births recorded, Moira remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3895 in 1925 to #1798 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Moira in 1965:
Moira by decade
Moira peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 11 | |
| 1920s | 69 | |
| 1930s | 151 | |
| 1940s | 256 | |
| 1950s | 879 | |
| 1960s | 1,199 | |
| 1970s | 680 | |
| 1980s | 654 | |
| 1990s | 1,010 | |
| 2000s ★ | 1,215 | |
| 2010s | 1,173 | |
| 2020s | 307 | |
💎With 7,406 total births, Moira is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Moira?
CROATIAN
MajaMareMaricaMarijetaMašaMojca
CZECH
MadlenkaMajaMarikaMáša
Famous people named Moira
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Moira (Irish revolutionary)
Moira carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
M(
Moira (traditional Irish musician)
Moira passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
M(
Moira (Irish saint)
Moira helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
M(
Moira (Irish poet or writer)
Moira used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Moira?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Moira also consider these
How is Moira written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Moira
What does the name Moira mean?
Moira means "derived from 'Maolmhuire', meaning 'servant of Mary'" — a name rooted in Irish 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 Moira?
Moira is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Moira?
Moira originates from Irish tradition. Irish 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 Moira?
Moira is a two-syllable name pronounced MOY-ruh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Moira a common or rare name?
Moira is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.