Origin and Meaning of Maureen

Meaning & Origin

Drop of the sea / Bitter

Origin: Irish - Derived from the Irish name Máire, which is a form of Mary, ultimately from the Hebrew name Miriam.

Interesting Facts

  • Maureen was popularized in the English-speaking world by the Irish and has been associated with the Emerald Isle's cultural heritage.
  • The name is notably popular in Ireland and among Irish communities worldwide, particularly in the United States, where it saw peak usage in the mid-20th century.
  • Notable bearers include Maureen O'Hara, a renowned Irish-American actress known for her roles in classic films such as 'The Quiet Man.'
  • Maureen enjoyed substantial popularity in the United States from the 1930s to the 1970s, reaching its peak around the 1940s.
  • Variations of Maureen include Maura, Moira, and the more modern spelling Maureene.