Declining since 1986, #10,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Deidre since 1933
Babies named Deidre per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1963, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Deidre's real moment was 1970.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 33 |
| 1940s | 573 |
| 1950s | 1,519 |
| 1960s | 4,364 |
| 1970s | 3,118 |
| 1980s | 3,078 |
| 1990s | 1,646 |
| 2000s | 275 |
| 2010s | 49 |
| 2020s | 18 |
Meaning & origin
Deidre, an Anglicized form of the Irish Deirdre, entered U.S. records in 1933 and reached its peak popularity in 1970, when it was most frequently chosen for newborn girls. Since 1986, its usage has steadily declined, reflecting a broader shift away from traditional Irish names once popular in mid-20th-century America. Currently, Deidre is an uncommon choice, given to approximately one in every 200,908 girls in 2025. The name's mythological ties lend it a sense of tragic romance, though its fading popularity may appeal to parents seeking a distinctive yet culturally rooted name.
Deidre is the English spelling of the Irish name Deirdre, borne by a tragic heroine of Irish mythology. The name's etymology is debated; some scholars trace it to the Old Irish word 'der' meaning 'daughter', while others link it to 'díder' meaning 'sorrow' or 'raging'. In the Ulster Cycle, Deirdre of the Sorrows was a beautiful woman fated to bring ruin. The name saw a resurgence in the 20th century, particularly in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities.
Where Deidre is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Deedee, Dee, Deir
Sibling names for Deidre
Names that share Deidre's style, for a brother or sister.
