Holding steady, #4,265 for girls today.
Popularity of Mairead since 1967
Babies named Mairead per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 37 |
| 1980s | 102 |
| 1990s | 346 |
| 2000s | 460 |
| 2010s | 285 |
| 2020s | 166 |
Meaning & origin
Mairead is the Irish Gaelic form of Margaret, rooted in the Greek word for pearl. Though it entered U.S. records in 1967, the name remains extremely rare: in 2025, only about 1 in every 48705 newborns received it. Its peak popularity came in 2002, reflecting a broader interest in Irish names during that era. The name's trajectory has been stable, meaning its frequency has not changed dramatically in recent decades. While predominantly found in Massachusetts and New York, Mairead has not broken into the mainstream. For parents seeking a distinctly Irish name with deep cultural resonance, Mairead offers a traditional choice that honors heritage without being overused.
Mairead is the Irish Gaelic form of Margaret, which derives from the Greek margarites (pearl). The name has been used in Ireland for centuries and is particularly associated with the west of Ireland and County Galway. It remains a traditional Irish name, though its usage in the United States is relatively recent and uncommon.
Where Mairead is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Mairead” around the world
Where Mairead lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
10
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Máire, Maura, Reada, Mair
Variants: Máiréad, Mairéad, Mairead
Sibling names for Mairead
Names that share Mairead's style, for a brother or sister.
