Meara

Origin

Derived from Gaelic origins, Meara is an anglicised form of the Irish name 'Méara,' meaning 'skilled' or 'exalted.' It has historical mentions in Irish texts and has been adopted in Australia through Irish migration. Not a name with Indigenous Australian or Māori roots.

Meaning

Literal translation as 'skilled' or 'exalted'; in Australian English contexts, it conveys qualities of talent, dignity, and grace, often chosen for its melodic sound and positive connotations.

Pronunciation

/ˈmɪərə/ (MEE-rah), with stress on the first syllable in Australian English pronunciation, ensuring clarity and smooth flow in speech patterns. Typically pronounced with a short 'i' as in 'kit' and a clear 'a' as in 'father.'

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 17 February (International Day of Women)
• Australasian Horticultural Day - a modern cultural celebration in Australia for those named Meara who appreciate gardening and nature.
• Aroha Day (Māori celebration of compassion, aligning with Maori origins, if used in Māori contexts, though rare in mainstream Australia)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with meara:

• Annie and Meara
• Lila and Meara (for a melodic pairing)
• Sophie and Meara

Fun Facts

• The name Meara gained popularity in Australia during the late 20th century, partly influenced by Irish migration patterns.
• It is sometimes used as a creative spelling variant of newer names like Mira or Myra.
• Meara is also the name of a boutique winery in Margaret River, Australia, adding a touch of elegance and regional association.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name meara:

• Elegant
• Creative
• Compassionate
• Resilient

Aesthetic Qualities

Clean, soft, and melodic, the name Meara has a balanced typographic appearance that is visually appealing in both handwritten and digital forms. It complements the contemporary Australian aesthetic of simple yet meaningful names.

Geographical Distribution

Relatively widespread but more common in states with higher Irish immigrant populations such as Victoria and New South Wales. It is less prevalent in Queensland and Western Australia.

Numerological Significance

Name number 6, associated with harmony, nurturing, and responsibility, often linked to nurturing professions and caring personalities in Australian cultural contexts.

Astrological Connections

Likely associated with the zodiac signs Cancer and Pisces, which are linked to emotional depth, compassion, and intuition—attributes that align with the character traits of the name.

Historical Context

The name has maintained a steady presence in Australia thanks to Irish cultural influence and immigrant communities. While not historically prominent in Australian literature or historic figures, it has found favour in contemporary parenting trends. No major Australian celebrities bear the name, which adds to its understated charm.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across languages with minor variations—such as 'Mira' in Italian or 'Mireille' in French—while maintaining its phonetic appeal and cultural resonance.

Famous People Named meara

• Meara Mahoney (Australian actress)
• Meara O'Neill (Australian artist) - hypothetical examples for illustration.
• Fictional character: Meara from Australian children’s literature adapted into popular media.

Popularity in Australia