Maguire

Meaning & origin

Maguire first entered the U.S. baby name landscape in 1997, a latecomer to the trend of adopting surnames as first names. Its peak year came quickly in 2000, after which it began a steady decline that continued through 2025. The name has never ranked in the top 1000, remaining a rare choice. Its Irish and Scottish heritage connects it to the anglicized surname form of Mag Uidhir, evoking a sense of clan identity. While top states are not recorded, the name likely appeals to families with Celtic ancestry or those seeking an uncommon, strong-sounding name with a touch of history. The trajectory shows a falling trend since 2001, suggesting it may remain a niche pick rather than gaining broader popularity.

Maguire is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Mag Uidhir, meaning 'son of Odhar' or 'son of the beige-colored one.' Odhar was a personal name denoting a pale or dun complexion, likely referring to a founding ancestor. The name has been used as a given name since the late 20th century, following the trend of adopting surnames as first names, particularly in the United States. It remains rare but has seen some use since the late 1990s.