"pearl"
Origin: Greek via Latin
Language: Irish
Mairead
Pronunciation: [ m-AYR-eh ]
Does Mairead flow with your last name?
The Irish Gaelic form of Margaret, meaning pearl
Irish
Scottish
Celtic
Traditional
Earthy
Vintage
Elegant
Literary
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Nicknames
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3 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"child of light (folk etymology)"
Origin: Celtic
Language: Irish
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Things to Know About This Name
- Pronunciation is non-obvious for non-Irish speakers, may lead to frequent mispronunciation
The Story of Mairead
Mairéad is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of Margaret, which derives from the Latin Margarita and Greek Margarites, meaning pearl. The name traveled from Persia through Greek and Latin into Celtic languages, where it took on distinctly Irish phonology. Mairéad has been used in Ireland for centuries and represents a deep connection to Irish cultural identity and the Gaelic language tradition.
Mairéad has seen renewed interest as part of the broader celebration of Irish cultural heritage and the revival of traditional Gaelic names. In Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities, the name represents cultural pride and a connection to the Irish language. Its use has been steady in Ireland while gaining attention internationally among parents seeking truly distinctive Celtic names.
Mairéad Maguire (later Corrigan Maguire) won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1976 alongside Betty Williams for founding the Community of Peace People during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. This association gives the name a resonance with courage and peacemaking. Saint Margaret of Scotland (originally named Mairéad) is the patron saint of Scotland.
Historical Record
Mairead first appeared in US Social Security records in 1967.
Over 1,369 babies have been named Mairead in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Mairead is past its peak , currently ranked #6,371 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairéad Corrigan Maguire helped end violence in Northern Ireland in the 1970s
- Mairéad is the traditional Irish equivalent of the royal name Margaret
- The name is related to margarite, an archaic English word for pearl, which gives us the flower name Marguerite
Mairead in Other Languages
Irish
Mairéad
Welsh
Mared
French
Marguerite
English
Margaret
Italian
Margherita
Scottish Gaelic
Mairead
Popularity Over Time
#6,371
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1997
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Mairead
M
Mairead Nesbitt
Musician
1975
Irish violinist and founding member of Celtic Woman, known for her energetic performances
M
Mairead Corrigan Maguire
Activist
1944
Northern Irish peace activist who co-founded the Community of Peace People and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1976
S
Saint Margaret of Scotland
Religious
1045
Anglo-Saxon princess who became Queen of Scotland, canonized in 1250 and patron saint of Scotland, originally named Mair...
Anglo-Saxon princess who became Queen of Scotland, canonized in 1250 and patron saint of Scotland, originally named Mairéad in Irish
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Compare Mairead with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,371
- Total SSA Count
- 19
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Scottish Celtic
- Pronunciation
- Hard
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mair
Maidie
Raedie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, elegant style, 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
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, vintage style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Mairead
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mairead
What does the name Mairead mean?
"pearl" (from Greek via Latin). "child of light (folk etymology)" (from Celtic). Mairéad is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of Margaret, which derives from the Latin Margarita and Greek Margarites, meaning pearl. The name traveled from Persia through Greek and Latin into Celtic languages, where it took on distinctly Irish phonology. Mairéad has been used in Ireland for centuries and represents a deep connection to Irish cultural identity and the Gaelic language tradition.
What is the origin of the name Mairead?
Mairead has Greek via Latin, Celtic, Irish, and Scottish origins. In Greek via Latin, it means "pearl". In Celtic, it means "child of light (folk etymology)".
Is Mairead a boy or girl name?
Mairead is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Mairead?
Mairead is pronounced m-AYR-eh.
How popular is the name Mairead?
Mairead is currently ranked #6371 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mairead?
Common nicknames for Mairead include Mair, Maidie, and Raedie.
What are good middle names for Mairead?
Popular middle name pairings include Mairead Siobhan, Mairead Aoife, Mairead Niamh, Mairead Grace, Mairead Rose, Mairead Claire, and Mairead Frances.
What are good sibling names for Mairead?
Names that pair well with Mairead as siblings include Siobhan, Aoife, Ciara, Seamus, Declan, and Riordan.
How many syllables does Mairead have?
Mairead has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Mairead a common or rare name?
Mairead is an uncommon name, ranked #6371 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Mairead?
Are there other spellings for Mairead?
Related spellings include Maira.
About the Name Mairead
Mairead is a girl name with Irish, Scottish, and Celtic origins . The name means "pearl" in Greek via Latin .
Mairead is currently ranked #6,371 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Mairead has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AYR-eh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Mairead include Mair, Maidie, and Raedie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Mairead include Maira . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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