Mairead Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: MAH-raid /ˈmɛɹəd/
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Irish: pearl
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Mairead is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Maire, which is a form of the Latin name Maria. The Latin Maria itself is rooted in Hebrew, where it is believed to derive from the name Miriam, meaning "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness." The transition from Miriam to Maria occurred through the Greek form Maria, which was adopted into Latin and subsequently influenced various European languages, including Irish.
In the context of Irish culture, Mairead has been used since at least the Middle Ages, reflecting the deep historical connections between the Irish language and its Latin influences. Historically, the name Mairead has been associated with several notable figures in Irish history and literature.
One significant milestone is its connection to the Christian tradition, as Saint Mary (Maire in Irish) is a central figure in Christianity, revered in various forms across cultures. The name gained further prominence through its use in Irish literature and folklore, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries, when there was a revival of interest in Irish heritage and language.
This revival was part of a broader cultural movement that sought to reclaim and celebrate Irish identity, especially in the wake of British colonial rule. Culturally, Mairead carries connotations of strength and resilience, often associated with the virtues of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
The name has been embraced in various artistic expressions, including poetry and music, which reflect its enduring significance in Irish culture. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Maire or Maireád are commonly used, highlighting the affectionate and familial ties associated with the name.
Overall, Mairead encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution, historical significance, and cultural resonance within the Irish context.
Famous people named Mairead
In this section, you will find notable people named Mairead. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Mairead who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Mairead who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Mairead Nesbitt is a violinist best known for her work with Celtic Woman, her solo albums, and performances worldwide.
Mairead McGuinness is a journalist and broadcaster best known for her work with RTÉ and as a presenter on Current Affairs programs.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Mairead, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Mairead. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Mairead was first seen in the United States in 1967.
Mairead has ranked as high as #4420 nationally, which occurred in 2002, and has been most popular in New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois, and Connecticut.
In the past 5 years the name Mairead has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Mairead is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Mairead was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Mairead.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 33 | 33 |
| 2024 | 19 | 19 |
| 2023 | 37 | 37 |
| 2022 | 22 | 22 |
| 2021 | 29 | 29 |
| 2020 | 26 | 26 |
| 2019 | 25 | 25 |
| 2018 | 25 | 25 |
| 2017 | 35 | 35 |
| 2016 | 25 | 25 |
| 2015 | 24 | 24 |
| 2014 | 25 | 25 |
| 2013 | 31 | 31 |
| 2012 | 31 | 31 |
| 2011 | 28 | 28 |
| 2010 | 36 | 36 |
| 2009 | 50 | 50 |
| 2008 | 44 | 44 |
| 2007 | 49 | 49 |
| 2006 | 40 | 40 |
| 2005 | 34 | 34 |
| 2004 | 44 | 44 |
| 2003 | 51 | 51 |
| 2002 | 59 | 59 |
| 2001 | 43 | 43 |
| 2000 | 46 | 46 |
| 1999 | 43 | 43 |
| 1998 | 40 | 40 |
| 1997 | 53 | 53 |
| 1996 | 39 | 39 |
| 1995 | 43 | 43 |
| 1994 | 27 | 27 |
| 1993 | 22 | 22 |
| 1992 | 19 | 19 |
| 1991 | 30 | 30 |
| 1990 | 30 | 30 |
| 1989 | 18 | 18 |
| 1988 | 13 | 13 |
| 1987 | 14 | 14 |
| 1986 | 9 | 9 |
| 1985 | 9 | 9 |
| 1984 | 9 | 9 |
| 1983 | 7 | 7 |
| 1982 | 11 | 11 |
| 1981 | 7 | 7 |
| 1980 | 5 | 5 |
| 1979 | 9 | 9 |
| 1978 | 8 | 8 |
| 1977 | 6 | 6 |
| 1973 | 7 | 7 |
| 1971 | 7 | 7 |
| 1967 | 6 | 6 |
Top States for Mairead (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 6 |