"dark, dark-complexioned"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Maura
Pronunciation: [ m-AWR-uh ]
Does Maura flow with your last name?
A Celtic classic with timeless Irish soul
Irish
Italian
English
Scottish
Classic
Elegant
Earthy
Traditional
Literary
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Share
Similar Names
Names Like Maura
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Maura
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"variant of Mary, beloved"
Origin: Irish
Language: Irish
Browse names with similar meanings:
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Similar to Maura
See all →What the Maura report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Maura the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Downloadable PDF + nursery art
Everything in one printable report. Frame the name art.
Start with a free preview
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
Keep Maura
Add it to your shortlist. Not losing this one.
Compare names
Put Maura head-to-head with your other picks.
Start comparing →
Nickname ideas
See what Maura actually gets called.
Browse nicknames →
What kind of baby name person are you?
3 minutes to find names that fit your style.
Take the Quiz
The Story of Maura
Maura is an Irish and Italian feminine name derived from the Latin 'Maura,' a feminine form of Maurus, meaning 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish.' In Ireland, it developed as an anglicized form of the Irish 'Máire' (Mary), via the Latin 'Mora.' The name carries centuries of Celtic tradition, appearing in early Irish hagiographies as the name of several early Christian saints.
Maura was a quiet staple in Irish-American families throughout the 20th century. It's now experiencing a gentle revival as parents seek vintage Celtic names with substance — elegant without being overly ornate.
In Italy, Maura is venerated as a saint — Saint Maura of Constantinople was a 3rd-century Christian martyr. In Ireland, the name carries deep cultural roots tied to the Gaelic heritage revival. It's a name that whispers of emerald hills and ancient faith.
Historical Record
Maura first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 18,922 babies have been named Maura in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Maura is past its peak , currently ranked #1,804 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Saint Maura is venerated in both Eastern and Western Christian churches
- Maura Tierney is an Emmy-nominated American actress known for ER and The Affair
- The name shares roots with the word 'Moor,' reflecting medieval European geography
Maura in Other Languages
Irish
Máire
Latin
Maura
French
Maure
Italian
Maura
Spanish
Maura
Popularity Over Time
#1,804
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1964
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Maura
M
Maura Tierney
Actor
1965
Emmy-nominated American actress known for ER and The Affair
M
Maura Isles Fictional
Other
Medical examiner protagonist of Tess Gerritsen's Rizzoli & Isles crime novel series
Names You Might Also Love
See all →
Caitlin
Girl
"pure, clear"
#1,686
Sullivan
Girl
"dark-eyed one, hawk-eyed"
#1,945
Lennyn
Girl
"small cloak (from Lena/Helena root)"
#1,823
Katarina
Girl
"pure, unsullied"
#1,743
Ailanny
Girl
"beautiful, lovely"
#1,910
Compare Maura with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,804
- Total SSA Count
- 111
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Italian English Scottish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mo
Moe
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Italian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Maura
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
Premium
Check how Maura fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Also a Boy Name
Maura is also used as a boy name, ranked #25376.
View Maura as a boy name →Similar Names
See all names like Maura →For Parents
amz
Start a baby registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
The Baby Name Wizard
Names that age well — book
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Compare Maura with...
Same Origin Names (Irish)
See all Irish names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Maura
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Maura and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Maura sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Names You Might Also Like
View all →
Caitlin
Girl
Greek via Irish origin
"pure, clear"
#1,686 in US
Sullivan
Girl
Irish Gaelic origin
"dark-eyed one, hawk-eyed"
#1,945 in US
Lennyn
Girl
Greek origin
"small cloak (from Lena/Helena root)"
#1,823 in US
Katarina
Girl
Greek (katharos) origin
"pure, unsullied"
#1,743 in US
Ailanny
Girl
Irish Gaelic origin
"beautiful, lovely"
#1,910 in US
Sarina
Girl
Italian diminutive of Sara origin
"little princess"
#1,790 in US
Blanca
Girl
Germanic origin
"white, pure"
#1,892 in US
Rosemarie
Girl
Latin origin
"dew of the sea (rosemary herb)"
#1,846 in US
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Maura's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maura
What does the name Maura mean?
"dark, dark-complexioned" (from Latin). "variant of Mary, beloved" (from Irish). Maura is an Irish and Italian feminine name derived from the Latin 'Maura,' a feminine form of Maurus, meaning 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish.' In Ireland, it developed as an anglicized form of the Irish 'Máire' (Mary), via the Latin 'Mora.' The name carries centuries of Celtic tradition, appearing in early Irish hagiographies as the name of several early Christian saints.
What is the origin of the name Maura?
Maura has Latin, Irish, Italian, English, and Scottish origins. In Latin, it means "dark, dark-complexioned". In Irish, it means "variant of Mary, beloved".
Is Maura a boy or girl name?
Maura is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1804. As a boy name, it is ranked #25376. Maura is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Maura?
Maura is pronounced m-AWR-uh.
How popular is the name Maura?
Maura is currently ranked #1804 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Maura?
Common nicknames for Maura include Moe.
What are good middle names for Maura?
Popular middle name pairings include Maura Ann, Maura Elizabeth, Maura Jane, Maura Claire, Maura Rose, Maura Kate, and Maura Louise.
What are good sibling names for Maura?
Names that pair well with Maura as siblings include Patrick, Declan, Brigid, Cormac, Sienna, Fiona, and Seamus.
How many syllables does Maura have?
Maura has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Maura a common or rare name?
Maura is an uncommon name, ranked #1804 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Maura?
Are there other spellings for Maura?
Related spellings include Maureen.
About the Name Maura
Maura is a girl name with Irish, Italian, English, and Scottish origins . The name means "dark, dark-complexioned" in Latin .
Is Maura a boy or girl name? Maura is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,804 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #25,376. Maura is more commonly used as a girl name.
Maura is currently ranked #1,804 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Maura has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AWR-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Maura include Mo and Moe. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Maura include Maureen . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Latin Names
Browse all names with this origin
M
Names Starting with M
More girl names like Maura
Unique Names
Uncommon names with character
Name Personality Quiz
Find names that match your style
Name Swiper
Swipe through names, build a shortlist fast
Browse All Girl Names
Full list with filters and sorting
Recommended for Parents
amz
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis