Moira

Pronunciation: [ m-OYR-uh ]

Girl Name #1,902 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Destined for greatness, literally

Irish Scottish Greek English

Literary Vintage Elegant Whimsical Strong

Meaning & Origin

"fate, destiny"

Origin: Greek

Language: Greek

"Irish form of Mary, beloved"

Origin: Irish Gaelic

Language: Irish

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.

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

Famous People Named Moira

Moira Kelly

Actor

1968

American actress known for The West Wing and One Tree Hill

Moira Shearer

Actor

1926

Scottish ballerina and actress, star of the classic film The Red Shoes (1948)

Moira Rose Fictional

Other

Eccentric former soap opera actress and matriarch played by Catherine O'Hara in Schitt's Creek (2015-2020)

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

Pairs Well With

Moira Rose Moira Grace Moira Anne Moira Claire Moira Jean Moira Kathleen Moira Faye

Sibling Names

Fiona Brigid Siobhan Conor Finn Orla

Similar Names

Cora Laura Dora Flora Ora Lora Lenora Vera

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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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 Mo and 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.