Irish Baby Name · Girl

Máire

Pronounced: MAW-ra / MOY-ra

Meaning: Beloved; bitter (Hebrew origin)

About the name

Origin
Irish
English version
Mary, Maura, Maureen, Moira
Variants
Mhuire, Maire
Stronghold region
All-Ireland

Overview

The Irish form of Mary; in unbroken Irish use since the early Christian period.

The story behind Máire

The most common Irish female name for centuries; in Gaelic the Virgin's name Muire is held distinct from secular Máire.

Mythology & legend

Non-mythological; Gaelic form of Mary.

Did you know?

Máire (rather than Muire) is reserved in traditional Irish for ordinary women — Muire is used only for the Virgin Mary.

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