Mairead is a unique and beautiful name of Irish origin. Derived from the Gaelic name Máire, which itself comes from the Latin name Maria, meaning "sea" or "star of the sea." The name Mairead has been popular in Ireland for centuries and was traditionally given to girls born around the feast day of Saint Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ.
The name Mairead has a rich history in Irish culture. It is associated with several notable figures throughout Irish literature and history. One such figure is Mairead Ni Chuaileannain, a renowned poet and scholar from the 15th century who was known for her exceptional skill in composing poetry in Irish Gaelic.
In more recent times, Mairead has been popularized by the famous Irish singer-songwriter Enya, whose real name is Máire Brennan but often goes by Mairead. Her music has brought the name Mairead to international attention and helped to revive its popularity among young parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their daughters.
Today, Mairead remains a popular choice among Irish families, offering a beautiful and distinctive option for girls with an Irish heritage or those simply looking for a name with a strong historical significance. Its meaning, "sea" or "star of the sea," adds a poetic and enchanting touch to this elegant name.
The name Mairead has seen a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past several decades. From 1967 to 2023, there have been a total of 1,350 babies named Mairead born in the U.S., with the number of births fluctuating from year to year.
The name's most popular period came during the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1987, there were 14 births, followed by 13 in 1988, and then a significant increase to 18 in 1989. This trend continued into the 1990s, with 30 babies named Mairead born in both 1990 and 1991.
However, after this peak, the popularity of the name began to decline. From 1992 onwards, the number of births decreased steadily until it reached a low point in recent years. In 2015 and 2016, there were only 24 and 25 births each year respectively, but the numbers have started to increase again slightly in recent years, with 37 births recorded in 2023.
Despite these fluctuations, Mairead remains a unique and memorable name. It's clear that parents continue to choose this name for their daughters even today, although its popularity has changed over time. It will be interesting to see how the trend continues in the coming years.