Origin and Meaning of Deirdre

Sorrowful, broken-hearted

Origin: Irish - The name Deirdre comes from Irish mythology and is derived from the Old Irish word 'dirdre', which is associated with the tragic heroine of the tale 'Deirdre of the Sorrows'.

• Deirdre is a tragic figure in Irish folklore, often considered one of the greatest love stories in Celtic mythology, illustrating themes of fate and sorrow.
• The name is most popular in Ireland but has also seen usage in other English-speaking countries, especially during the mid-20th century.
• Notable bearers of the name include Deirdre Barlow, a character in the British soap opera Coronation Street, and Deirdre McCloskey, an influential economist and historian.
• The name experienced a decline in popularity in the late 20th century, becoming less common after peaking in the 1960s and 1970s.
• Variations of the name include Derdriu in Old Irish, and the name is related to other Irish names such as Dearbhla and Darina.