Mairead

Origin

Derived from the Irish name Máiréad, which itself originates from the Latin Maria, meaning 'of the sea' or 'bitter'. The name appears in Irish mythology and history, notably associated with Saint Máiréad, a popular saint in Ireland. The spelling 'Mairead' is a variant used mainly in Irish contexts, but it is sometimes adopted in Australian multicultural communities, especially among those with Irish heritage.

Meaning

Literal translation is 'beloved' or 'grace'. In the Australian context, it is often associated with charm, kindness, and tradition, reflecting its Irish roots and the cultural heritage of Irish Australians.

Pronunciation

/mɒˈreɪd/ (Australian English) — emphasis on the second syllable, with a soft 'r' and open 'a' sound in the first syllable, ending with a clear 'd'.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 01 February (Feast of Saint Máiréad)
• 17 March (St. Patrick's Day, often celebrated by Irish communities in Australia)
• 17 March (Māori equivalent celebrations for cultural days)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with mairead:

• Anne and Mairead
• William and Mairead
• Jack and Mairead

Fun Facts

• Mairead was a popular name among Irish immigrants in Australia during the 19th and early 20th centuries, often seen in historical records from Irish communities in Melbourne and Sydney.
• The name gained renewed interest in Australia through the public figure Mairead Maguire, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and peace activist, although she is of Northern Irish origin.
• In Australian literature, characters named Mairead often embody qualities of warmth and resilience.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name mairead:

• warm-hearted
• traditional
• resilient
• thoughtful

Aesthetic Qualities

Elegant and classic, with a soft, flowing visual impression enhanced by the Gaelic accents and spellings. Well-suited for formal and familial contexts.

Geographical Distribution

More common in areas with historic Irish communities such as Melbourne's West and parts of Sydney, although it remains generally uncommon across wider Australia.

Numerological Significance

Name Number 7, associated with introspection, spiritual awareness, and analytical thinking. Often considered a deep, thoughtful name fitting for reflective personalities.

Astrological Connections

Linked with the zodiac sign Cancer, emphasizing nurturing, emotional sensitivity, and protectiveness, aligning with the name's warm connotations. Twitter and Facebook communities in Australia often connect the name to nurturing and intuitive qualities.

Historical Context

Historically, Mairead was borne by several saints and early Irish Christian figures, making it a name with considerable religious and cultural significance in Ireland, which was carried by Irish immigrants to Australia. The name occasionally appears in Australian genealogical records associated with Irish settlements.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts to English spelling as Mairead, but variant spellings reflect different pronunciations and cultural backgrounds, e.g., Máiréad in Irish.

Famous People Named mairead

• Mairead Maguire (Peace Activist, Nobel Laureate)
• Mairead Shankland (Australian journalist)
• Mairead Nesbitt (Irish harpist, popular in Australia for her performances)

Popularity in Australia