Declining since 1997.
Popularity of Maire since 1901
Babies named Maire per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1997, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Maire's real moment was 1901.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 51 |
| 1920s | 80 |
| 1930s | 29 |
| 1940s | 33 |
| 1950s | 61 |
| 1960s | 83 |
| 1970s | 56 |
| 1980s | 104 |
| 1990s | 165 |
| 2000s | 127 |
| 2010s | 90 |
| 2020s | 30 |
Meaning & origin
Maire, the Irish form of Mary, has a long history in Ireland but has seen a steady decline in use since the late 1990s. It first appeared in records in 1901, when it was most common, but it has not been a top-tier name in recent decades. The trajectory shows a falling trend, with no top states reporting significant usage in recent years. While Maire remains a classic choice for those honoring Irish heritage, it is now relatively rare compared to its peak in the early 20th century.
Maire is the Irish Gaelic form of Mary, derived from the Hebrew Miriam. The name Mary has been borne by the mother of Jesus, making it one of the most enduring names in the Christian world. In Ireland, Maire has been a traditional and popular name for centuries, often used in Irish-speaking areas.
“Maire” around the world
Where Maire lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Molly, Maura, Reenie
Sibling names for Maire
Names that share Maire's style, for a brother or sister.
