"dark, dark-complexioned"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Maura
Pronunciation: [ m-AWR-uh ]
Girl Name
#1,804 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A Celtic classic with timeless Irish soul
Irish
Italian
English
Scottish
Classic
Elegant
Earthy
Traditional
Literary
Meaning & Origin
"variant of Mary, beloved"
Origin: Irish
Language: Irish
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.
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
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
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
Pairs Well With
Maura Ann
Maura Elizabeth
Maura Jane
Maura Claire
Maura Rose
Maura Kate
Maura Louise
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Maura is also used as a boy name, ranked #25376.
View Maura as a boy name →Similar Names
Same Origin Names (Irish)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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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 Mo and 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.
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.