Mairead

♀ Girl

Mairead Pronunciation

Mairead is pronounced mə-RAYD /məˈreɪd/Medium

Meaning: The Irish form of Margaret — from Greek margarites, 'a pearl'Medium

In 30 seconds: A pearl: Mairead is the Irish Margaret — 'a pearl'. Lyrical, classic, and warm (said 'mə-RAYD').

💕 Browse more names

Origin MediumIrish, Greek

MeaningThe Irish form of Margaret — from Greek margarites, 'a pearl'

U.S. rank (2024)#6287 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births19 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2002

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,369

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Mairead is the Irish form of Margaret — from Greek margarites, 'a pearl'. A classic, beloved Irish name (the spelling Mairead reads 'mə-RAYD'; nicknames Maire, Peig).

In the U.S. it appears in Irish families. Rare, a-pearl at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Margaret means 'a pearl' (Greek margarites) — Mairead is its lyrical Irish form, a classic name (the spelling looks unusual to English eyes; said 'mə-RAYD').

Overall data confidence 65%

Behind the Name — Mairead — root etymology

Variations

MargaretMaireadMairead

Nicknames

Maire

Themes & Styles

Greek Irish

If you like Mairead…

Margaret— the English form

Maisie— a kin Margaret pet

Saoirse— a fellow Irish girls' name

Niamh— another Irish girls' name

→ See all names like Mairead

Browse the whole category: All Irish names → · All Greek names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Mairead?

Mairead is pronounced mə-RAYD (/məˈreɪd/). Press play above to hear Mairead said aloud.

How do you say Mairead?

Mairead is said mə-RAYD (/məˈreɪd/). Press play above to hear Mairead said aloud.

What does the name Mairead mean?

Mairead is the Irish Margaret — Greek 'a pearl'.

Is Mairead a boy or girl name?

Mairead is a girl's name.

How popular is Mairead?

Mairead is a rare name in the U.S.