What does Moyra mean and where does it come from?
The name Moyra is derived from the Irish name 'Maolmhuire,' meaning 'servant of Mary.' It has historical roots in both Irish and Scottish cultures. It gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in Ireland, where it was often associated with the Virgin Mary. Variants of this name include Moi
Cultural significance
Moyra has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bitter.
Peak popularity
Reached #3806 in 1932 — currently #1420 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Moyra?
Moyra works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Moyra Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Moyra Rose
Floral · soft ending
Moyra Mae
Sweet · timeless
Moyra Claire
French influence · crisp
Moyra Jane
Literary · strong
Moyra Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Moyra right now?
Holding steady — currently #1420 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1420 | 780 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1425 | 760 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1430 | 730 | ▲ up 13234 · +12067% births |
| 2005 | #14664 | 6 | — |
The story of Moyra
Moyra entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 43 total births recorded, Moyra remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14664 in 2005 to #1420 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Moyra in 1932:
Moyra by decade
Moyra peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1930s | 7 | |
| 1960s | 6 | |
| 2000s ★ | 18 | |
| 2010s | 7 | |
💎Moyra has only 43 total recorded births since 1916 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Moyra?
CROATIAN
MajaMareMaricaMarijetaMašaMojca
CZECH
MadlenkaMajaMarikaMáša
What names sound and feel like Moyra?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Moyra also consider these
How is Moyra written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Moyra
What does the name Moyra mean?
Moyra means "bitter" — 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 Moyra?
Moyra 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 Moyra?
Moyra 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.
How do you pronounce the name Moyra?
Moyra is a two-syllable name pronounced M OY1 R AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Moyra a common or rare name?
Moyra is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.