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Home › Baby Names Directory › Maureen

Maureen

♀ Girl

Pronounced maw-REEN /mɔˈrin/Medium

Meaning: Anglicized form of Mairin — an Irish diminutive of Mary ('beloved; star of the sea') — 'little Mary'Medium

In 30 seconds: Little Mary, Irish-style: Maureen is the diminutive of Mary — 'beloved'. Warm, vintage, and lovely (actress Maureen O'Hara).
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Origin MediumHebrew, Irish
MeaningAnglicized form of Mairin — an Irish diminutive of Mary ('beloved; star of the sea') — 'little Mary'
U.S. rank (2025)#4424 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births32 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1957
Total births (all-time)≈ 144,277

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195718962025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Maureen is an anglicized form of Mairin — an Irish diminutive of Mary, from Hebrew Miryam, 'beloved' (or 'star of the sea') — 'little Mary'. A warm, vintage Irish classic (Maureen O'Hara).

It registers thinly today. Rare now, little-Mary at the root, and warm.

Did you know? Mary means 'beloved' (or 'star of the sea') — Maureen is the anglicized Irish 'little Mary' (Mairin); a warm, vintage classic (actress Maureen O'Hara).
Overall data confidence 80%
Behind the Name — Maureen — root etymology

Variations

MairinMaurineMoreen

Nicknames

MoReenie

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Maureen…

Maura— a fellow Irish Mary name
Kathleen— another Irish vintage classic
Maeven— shares Maureen's Irish roots
Arleen— a similarly popular pick
Rowen— another Irish name

Explore names like Maureen

By themehebrewirishvintage
By meaningLoveStarSea / Water

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Maureen mean?

Maureen is the Irish 'little Mary' — 'beloved' (or 'star of the sea').

How do you pronounce Maureen?

It's said maw-REEN /mɔˈrin/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Maureen a boy or girl name?

Maureen is a girl's name.

How popular is Maureen?

Maureen is a rare name in the U.S. today.

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