Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Maura

Maura is the anglicized form Máire, the Irish-Gaelic and Scottish-Gaelic form of Mary. Interestingly, the Celtic Christians were the last to adopt Máire as a female personal name, considering it too holy for use until the late 15th century. In fact, the Irish reserved the specific spelling Muire and pronunciation (MOI-ra) for the Blessed Virgin Mother, while Máire (MAWR-ә) was deemed acceptable for baby girls. The English name Mary comes from the Latin Maria, which itself was borrowed from the Greek Mariam. The Greeks in turn adopted the name from the Hebrew מִרְיָם (Miryam), in reference to the sister of Moses and Aaron in Exodus. Ultimately, though, Miryam is the Hebrew form of the Egyptian element “mry” meaning “beloved” (from “mr” meaning love). Aside from Maura’s Gaelic connections to Mary, the name is also associated with “mór,” the Irish-Gaelic word for “great.” There were also two little-known 4th century Irish/Scottish saints, young sisters named Maura and Brigid, who were believed to have been martyred when killed by barbaric pagans on a pilgrimage to Rome. Maura is not a particularly popular name today in the early 21st century – she was much more commonly used in the latter half of the 29th century.

All About the Baby Name – Maura

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME MAURA

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME MAURA

Maura is no longer on America’s Top 1000 list of popular baby girl names. In fact she fell off that list in 2007 after a nearly 60 year ride on the U.S. charts. The name first appeared in 1948 and reached her height of popularity in 1964 at position #468 out of 1000 (in other words, never very common). We’re guessing it’s a name largely confined to the Irish-American population and just not one of those Celtic-friendly names that jumped over to the mainstream (like Caitlin, Regan, Ciara, Bridget, Erin, Kelly and Shannon). Maya is a Top 100 favorite, however. Although Maura has recently dropped off the American radar, she’s still a lovely sounding name. A great choice for parents looking to celebrate their Gaelic heritage with a “beloved” name.

Quick Facts

ON MAURA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Gaelic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

MAWR-a

SIMPLE MEANING:

Beloved, great

Characteristics

OF MAURA

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Maura

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MAURA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Maura

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MAURA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Maura


Popular Songs

ON MAURA

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Maura


Famous People

NAMED MAURA

Maura Tierney (actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED MAURA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Maura

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MAURA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Maura