Origin and Meaning of Dierdre

Sorrowful or broken-hearted

Origin: Irish - The name Dierdre (also spelled Deirdre) is derived from the Old Irish name 'Deirdre', which is associated with a tragic heroine in Irish mythology, known for her beauty and misfortune.

• Dierdre is most famously known from the Irish legend of 'Deirdre of the Sorrows', a tale of love and tragedy involving her and the hero Naoise.
• The name is primarily popular in Ireland and among people with Irish heritage, but it has also seen usage in other English-speaking countries.
• Notable bearers of the name Dierdre include Dierdre McCloskey, an influential economist, and Dierdre Wilson, a Scottish mathematician.
• Dierdre experienced fluctuations in popularity during the 20th century, particularly in the mid-20th century when it became more common.
• Related variations include Deirdre, Derdriu, and Diertra, with Deirdre being the most commonly used form.