"beloved, wished-for child"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Spanish
Maira
Does Maira flow with your last name?
A melodic Mary variant beloved from Dublin to Sao Paulo
Spanish
Irish
Portuguese
Latin American
Elegant
Traditional
Gentle
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"bitter, sea of bitterness"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
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The Story of Maira
Maira is a variant form of Mary, Mara, or Moira, all ultimately tracing back to the Hebrew name Miriam. The root may derive from the Hebrew mar meaning bitter or from the Egyptian Mry meaning beloved. Maira is particularly common in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, representing a softer variant of the Virgin Mary name.
Maira is a steady favorite in Latin American countries, especially Brazil, where it blends the familiar Mara and Maria tradition with a distinctively melodic quality. In Ireland, it is used as a variant of Moira, the Irish form of Mary.
As a variant of Mary, Maira carries profound significance in Catholic and Christian traditions worldwide. In Brazil, Maira is also associated with an indigenous Tupi mythological figure, adding a fascinating dual heritage.
Historical Record
Maira first appeared in US Social Security records in 1953.
Over 6,274 babies have been named Maira in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Maira is past its peak , currently ranked #2,752 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Mary and its variants are among the most common female names in the Christian world
- In Brazil, Maira is also associated with an indigenous Tupi mythological figure
- The name Miriam, from which Mary derives, appears in the Bible as the name of Moses's sister
Maira in Other Languages
Irish
Maire
Hebrew
Miryam
Spanish
Maira
Portuguese
Maira
Popularity Over Time
#2,752
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1992
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Maira
M
Maira Kalman
Artist
1949
Celebrated Israeli-American illustrator and author known for whimsical, literary artwork
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Compare Maira with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,752
- Total SSA Count
- 62
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Irish Portuguese Latin American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Mai
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Maira
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Maira is also used as a boy name, ranked #21778.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maira
What does the name Maira mean?
"beloved, wished-for child" (from Hebrew). "bitter, sea of bitterness" (from Hebrew). Maira is a variant form of Mary, Mara, or Moira, all ultimately tracing back to the Hebrew name Miriam. The root may derive from the Hebrew mar meaning bitter or from the Egyptian Mry meaning beloved. Maira is particularly common in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, representing a softer variant of the Virgin Mary name.
What is the origin of the name Maira?
Maira has Hebrew, Spanish, Irish, Portuguese, and Latin American origins. In Hebrew, it means "beloved, wished-for child". In Hebrew, it means "bitter, sea of bitterness".
Is Maira a boy or girl name?
Maira is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2752. As a boy name, it is ranked #21778. Maira is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Maira?
Maira is currently ranked #2752 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Maira?
Common nicknames for Maira include Mai.
What are good middle names for Maira?
Popular middle name pairings include Maira Sofia, Maira Elena, Maira Isabel, Maira Grace, and Maira Victoria.
What are good sibling names for Maira?
Names that pair well with Maira as siblings include Lucia, Camila, Valentina, Diego, and Mateo.
How many syllables does Maira have?
Maira has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Maira a common or rare name?
Maira is an uncommon name, ranked #2752 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Maira?
About the Name Maira
Maira is a girl name with Spanish, Irish, Portuguese, and Latin American origins . The name means "beloved, wished-for child" in Hebrew .
Is Maira a boy or girl name? Maira is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,752 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #21,778. Maira is more commonly used as a girl name.
Maira is currently ranked #2,752 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Maira has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Maira include Mai. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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