"mirth, merriment, great joy"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
Meara
Pronunciation: [ m-EER-uh ]
Meara is a girl name of Irish Gaelic origin meaning "mirth, merriment, great joy." Ranked #4,217 in the US, popular nicknames include Mea.
An Irish gem meaning pure, sparkling joy
Irish
Scottish
English
Celtic
Earthy
Whimsical
Gentle
Vintage
Literary
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"playful, lively, swift"
Origin: Irish mear
Language: Irish
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The Story of Meara
Meara derives from the Irish Gaelic word mear or meara, meaning mirth, merriment, or joyfulness. In Irish mythology and poetry, the concept of meara is associated with the lightness of spirit and playful joy. The name is also related to the Irish word for swift or lively, suggesting someone vibrant and quick-spirited.
Meara has gained attention in the 21st century as the Irish name revival reaches beyond the most familiar names toward less common gems. Parents of Irish heritage seeking authentic Gaelic names have rediscovered Meara as a beautiful, pronounceable option.
In Irish cultural tradition, names connected to joy and merriment carried deep significance. Meara represents the Celtic love of wit, music, and joyful living.
Historical Record
Meara first appeared in US Social Security records in 1973.
Over 1,383 babies have been named Meara in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Meara is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #4,217 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Irish Gaelic word mear also means playful or lively, adding a double layer of meaning
- Meara is closely related to the Irish surname O'Meara, meaning descendant of the merry one
Meara in Other Languages
Irish
Meara
French
Mara
Spanish
Meara
Portuguese
Meara
Scottish Gaelic
Mearah
Popularity Over Time
#4,217
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Meara
A
Anne Meara
Entertainer
1929
American actress and comedian, part of comedy duo Stiller and Meara with husband Jerry Stiller
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,217
- Total SSA Count
- 34
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Scottish English Celtic
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Mea
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Meara
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Meara
What does the name Meara mean?
"mirth, merriment, great joy" (from Irish Gaelic). "playful, lively, swift" (from Irish mear). Meara derives from the Irish Gaelic word mear or meara, meaning mirth, merriment, or joyfulness. In Irish mythology and poetry, the concept of meara is associated with the lightness of spirit and playful joy. The name is also related to the Irish word for swift or lively, suggesting someone vibrant and quick-spirited.
What is the origin of the name Meara?
Meara has Irish Gaelic, Irish mear, Irish, Scottish, English, and Celtic origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "mirth, merriment, great joy". In Irish mear, it means "playful, lively, swift".
Is Meara a boy or girl name?
Meara is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Meara?
Meara is pronounced m-EER-uh.
How popular is the name Meara?
Meara is currently ranked #4217 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Meara?
Common nicknames for Meara include Mea.
What are good middle names for Meara?
Popular middle name pairings include Meara Rose, Meara Kate, Meara Claire, Meara Grace, Meara Fiona, and Meara Siobhan.
What are good sibling names for Meara?
Names that pair well with Meara as siblings include Aoife, Niamh, Cormac, Declan, Saoirse, and Finn.
How many syllables does Meara have?
Meara has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Meara a common or rare name?
Meara is an uncommon name, ranked #4217 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Meara
Meara is a girl name with Irish, Scottish, English, and Celtic origins . The name means "mirth, merriment, great joy" in Irish Gaelic .
Meara is currently ranked #4,217 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Meara has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-EER-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Meara include Mea. 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