Maura is a feminine given name of Irish origin and meaning. It is derived from the Irish surname Ó Máirín, which is believed to have been derived from the ancient Irish personal name Mairin or Maighrín. The name Mairin is thought to mean "severe" or "bitter" in Irish.
The name Maura has a long history in Ireland and was popular among the Irish nobility during the Middle Ages. It is also associated with several figures from Irish mythology, including the legendary queen Maeve of Connacht, who was known for her beauty and courage.
Today, Maura remains a popular given name in Ireland and other countries with significant Irish populations, such as the United States and Canada. It is often used as a shortened form of names like Maureen or Maria, but can also stand alone as a unique and distinctive name.
Overall, Maura is a name with a rich history and meaningful origins that continues to be beloved by many today.
The name Maura has been given to a total of 19,727 babies born in the United States over the past century and a half, based on available records. The popularity of this name has shown significant fluctuations throughout history.
In the early part of the 20th century, between 1903 and 1926, fewer than ten girls were named Maura each year. However, beginning in the mid-1920s, there was a notable increase in popularity for this name. In fact, from 1927 to 1959, at least 80 babies were named Maura annually.
The peak of popularity for the name Maura occurred between 1954 and 1963 when over 300 girls received this name each year. During these ten years alone, nearly 4,500 babies were given the name Maura.
However, like many names that experience a surge in popularity, there was eventually a decline in the use of Maura as well. From the early 1960s until the late 1970s, fewer than 300 girls were named Maura each year.
Since then, the name has seen steady but relatively low usage, with fewer than 200 babies named Maura annually from the mid-1980s to present day. Despite this decrease in popularity, it's clear that the name Maura holds a certain timeless appeal for parents looking for unique and distinctive names for their daughters.
It's interesting to note that there was another spike in popularity for the name Maura between 2001 and 2003 when over 350 babies were named Maura each year. This demonstrates how cyclical trends in naming can be, as even less popular names like Maura can occasionally experience resurgences in popularity.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Maura has waxed and waned over time, it remains a distinctive choice that continues to capture the hearts of parents looking for unique names for their daughters.