Mairead
First Name Meaning, Usage, Popularity & Related Names
Mairead is a Greek name meaning “pearl”. It is a uncommon name, overwhelmingly used for girls, with 100% female usage.
Meaning & Origin of the name Mairead
Mairead is an Irish name that corresponds to the name Margaret. Its etymological roots are traced back to the Greek word margarites, signifying a pearl. The name became established in the Gaelic-speaking world through the influence of early Christian hagiography, specifically via the veneration of Saint Margaret of Antioch.
Meaning Comments
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Gender Usage of the Name Mairead
Overall Gender Classification Methodology
Mairead is overwhelmingly used as a name for girls. Approximately 100% of recorded bearers are female. This classification is supported by extensive records and is considered highly reliable.
Popularity of the Name Mairead
Note: Green bars show popularity (% of births); the violet line shows historical ranking. Data is based on official government birth records. Click any chart to view details by year and region.
Overall PopularityMethodology
Mairead is listed under Uncommon Girl Names worldwide. Its overall popularity is supported by stronger usage in United Kingdom across the available regional markets.
| Region | Popularity | Birth Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Uncommon | 1 in every 267K births |
| United Kingdom | Common | 1 in every 7.5K births |
| Canada | Common | 1 in every 663K births |
| Australia | Uncommon | 1 in every 716K births |
Ranking OverviewMethodology
Mairead ranked #3,109 on the Popular Girls’ Names Worldwide List (2025). It rose from #5,349 in 2024 — an improvement of 2,240 places. Mairead shows meaningful recent movement in rank, though it remains uncommon overall.
Historically, its best recorded position was #502 in 1964. Its lowest recorded position was #9,022 in 2022. Over the last 5 years (2020–2025) the name rose 1044 places (from #4,153 to #3,109).
Name StyleMethodology
Mairead is classified as Classic Girl Names because it appears in 53% of available years and remains active today, averaging 21 births per year after a historical peak in 2016.Characteristics of the Name Mairead
Pronunciation & StructureMethodology
- Phonetic Source
- CMU
- Syllables
- 2 syllables — Two-Syllable Girl Names
- Length
- 7 letters — Long Girl Names
- Starts with
- M — Girl Names Starting with M
- Ends with
- d — Girl Names Ending in “d”
Name AestheticMethodology
Mairead contains a two-syllable phonetic structure that emphasizes a melodic dipthong within the initial syllable. It projects a Beautiful & Charming aesthetic, frequently found in Irish literature and song. The balance between the soft start and the quick final syllable creates a classic, rhythmic appeal.
Middle Names For Mairead
Middle names used with MaireadMethodology
Mairead is most frequently used with these girl middle names: Mairead Ann · Mairead Rose · Mairead Erin · Mairead Mcelroy · Mairead CarneyView all 16 girl middle names.
Middle name suggestions for MaireadMethodology
Based on observed first-middle-name pattern combinations, Mairead is most frequently associated with girl middle names that have Strong stress pattern, 5 letters, and a starting sound of “l”.
Examples: Mairead Leigh · Mairead Lynne · Mairead Lynch · Mairead Laine · Mairead Leach. View all 82 suggested middle names.
Names Similar to Mairead
Sound Like Mairead Finder
Names with the exact same overall pronunciation and sound: Marta · Marita · Marietta · View all 59 names
Same Starting Sound Finder
Names that begin with a similar phonetic sound: Mary · Margaret · Michelle · View all Top 100 names
Rhymes With Mairead Finder
Names that share similar ending sounds and rhymes: Ke · Ashliegh · Fatemeh · View all 63 names
Same Rhythm & Syllables Finder
Names with matching syllable stress and pronunciation rhythm: Mary · Linda · Sarah · View all Top 100 names
Dictionary & Etymology of “Mairead”
Dictionary Meaning of "Mairead"Methodology
a female given name, equivalent to English Margaret
Alternative Forms
More Info
How to Spell Mairead in ASL
- M
- a
- i
- r
- e
- a
- d
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