"fate, destiny"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Moira
Pronunciation: [ m-OYR-uh ]
Does Moira flow with your last name?
Destined for greatness, literally
Irish
Scottish
Greek
English
Literary
Vintage
Elegant
Whimsical
Strong
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Meaning & Origin
"Irish form of Mary, beloved"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
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The Story of Moira
Moira has dual origins. In Greek mythology, the Moirai (Fates) were three goddesses who controlled the destiny of every mortal: Clotho who spun the thread of life, Lachesis who measured it, and Atropos who cut it. The word moira means fate, destiny, or an allotted portion. Separately, Moira is also an Irish name, an anglicization of the Irish Maire (Mary), giving it an entirely different Celtic heritage.
Moira has experienced a significant pop culture boost from the series Schitt's Creek (2015-2020), where Catherine O'Hara played the eccentric Moira Rose. The character's theatrical flair and memorable vocal delivery made Moira a beloved name for a new generation of parents.
In Greek culture, the Moirai (Fates) were among the most powerful of all divine forces. Even Zeus could not override their decrees. In Irish culture, Moira is a classical Gaelic name tied to centuries of Celtic heritage and the veneration of the Virgin Mary.
Historical Record
Moira first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 7,360 babies have been named Moira in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Moira is past its peak , currently ranked #1,902 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Greek mythology, the three Moirai (Fates) controlled every mortal's destiny from birth to death
- Moira Rose from Schitt's Creek is played by Catherine O'Hara, who won a Screen Actors Guild Award for the role
- Moira is also an anglicization of the Irish name Maire (Mary)
Moira in Other Languages
Greek
Moira
Irish
Maire
Italian
Moira
Scottish Gaelic
Moira
Popularity Over Time
#1,902
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1965
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Moira
M
Moira Kelly
Actor
1968
American actress known for The West Wing and One Tree Hill
M
Moira Shearer
Actor
1926
Scottish ballerina and actress, star of the classic film The Red Shoes (1948)
M
Moira Rose Fictional
Other
Eccentric former soap opera actress and matriarch played by Catherine O'Hara in Schitt's Creek (2015-2020)
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Compare Moira with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,902
- Total SSA Count
- 105
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Scottish Greek English
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Mo
Moi
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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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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, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Moira
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moira
What does the name Moira mean?
"fate, destiny" (from Greek). "Irish form of Mary, beloved" (from Irish Gaelic). Moira has dual origins. In Greek mythology, the Moirai (Fates) were three goddesses who controlled the destiny of every mortal: Clotho who spun the thread of life, Lachesis who measured it, and Atropos who cut it. The word moira means fate, destiny, or an allotted portion. Separately, Moira is also an Irish name, an anglicization of the Irish Maire (Mary), giving it an entirely different Celtic heritage.
What is the origin of the name Moira?
Moira has Greek, Irish Gaelic, Irish, Scottish, and English origins. In Greek, it means "fate, destiny". In Irish Gaelic, it means "Irish form of Mary, beloved".
Is Moira a boy or girl name?
Moira is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Moira?
Moira is pronounced m-OYR-uh.
How popular is the name Moira?
Moira is currently ranked #1902 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Moira?
Common nicknames for Moira include Moi.
What are good middle names for Moira?
Popular middle name pairings include Moira Rose, Moira Grace, Moira Anne, Moira Claire, Moira Jean, Moira Kathleen, and Moira Faye.
What are good sibling names for Moira?
Names that pair well with Moira as siblings include Fiona, Brigid, Siobhan, Conor, Finn, and Orla.
How many syllables does Moira have?
Moira has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Moira a common or rare name?
Moira is an uncommon name, ranked #1902 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Moira
Moira is a girl name with Irish, Scottish, Greek, and English origins . The name means "fate, destiny" in Greek .
Moira is currently ranked #1,902 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Moira has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-OYR-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Moira include Mo and Moi. 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