Origin and Meaning of Mairead

The pearl

Origin: Irish - Derived from the Irish name 'Maire' which is a form of 'Mary'. The name Mairead can be traced back to the Latin word 'margarita', which means pearl.

• Mairead is a traditionally Irish name, often associated with beautiful, strong women and is celebrated in Irish literature and folklore.
• It is commonly used in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, and can be found occasionally among Gaelic-speaking communities in Scotland.
• Notable bearers of the name include Mairead Corrigan, a Northern Irish peace activist who co-founded the Community of Peace People.
• While not extremely common globally, Mairead has seen a rise in popularity in Ireland particularly during the late 20th century.
• Variations of the name include Maire, Mary, and the anglicized forms such as Mairéad or Mared.