Moira is a unique and captivating female given name of Scottish origin. The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "Moire," which means "sea-borne" or "sea-may." This name has deep roots in Celtic mythology, as Moira is also one of the three Fates who are believed to determine the course of life for every individual.
The name Moira has been popular among Scottish families for centuries and was traditionally given to girls born near the coast or with a strong connection to the sea. However, its meaning and significance have evolved over time, making it appealing to parents around the world looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughter.
In literature and pop culture, Moira has been used as a character name in various works, further contributing to its recognition and appeal. Examples include Moira Rose from the Canadian comedy series "Schitt's Creek" and Moiraine Damodred from the fantasy novel series "The Wheel of Time" by Robert Jordan.
Overall, the name Moira is an enchanting choice for parents seeking a distinctive and significant name for their daughter, with roots in Scottish history and mythology, and a timeless appeal that transcends cultural boundaries.
The name Moira has had an interesting journey in terms of popularity over the years in the United States. The first recorded birth of a girl named Moira was in 1913, with only five instances that year.
In the following decades, the popularity of the name remained relatively low, oscillating between six and nineteen births per year until the late 1940s. However, starting from 1947, we began to see a significant increase in the number of Moira births annually.
The years 1951 to 1963 marked a period of consistent growth for the name's popularity, with the number of Moira births more than doubling from 66 in 1951 to 144 in 1963. This trend continued into the early 1970s, peaking at 144 births in 1963 and then steadily declining until 1972 when there were only 67 Moira births.
From 1973 onwards, the popularity of the name Moira entered a phase of fluctuation. There were periods of growth, such as between 1988 and 1994 where the number of Moira births increased from 51 to 124, but these gains were often followed by decreases.
The most recent data available shows that in 2023, there were 113 births of girls named Moira in the United States. Over the course of over a century, from 1913 to 2023, a total of 7742 girls have been named Moira at birth.
In conclusion, while Moira's popularity has varied significantly over time, it has nonetheless maintained a consistent presence among baby girl names in the United States. It is fascinating to observe how trends in naming patterns evolve throughout history.