Maura is a feminine given name of Irish origin and meaning. It is derived from the Irish surname Ó Máirín, which is believed to have been derived from the ancient Irish personal name Mairin or Maighrín. The name Mairin is thought to mean "severe" or "bitter" in Irish.
The name Maura has a long history in Ireland and was popular among the Irish nobility during the Middle Ages. It is also associated with several figures from Irish mythology, including the legendary queen Maeve of Connacht, who was known for her beauty and courage.
Today, Maura remains a popular given name in Ireland and other countries with significant Irish populations, such as the United States and Canada. It is often used as a shortened form of names like Maureen or Maria, but can also stand alone as a unique and distinctive name.
Overall, Maura is a name with a rich history and meaningful origins that continues to be beloved by many today.
The name Maura experienced significant popularity fluctuations over time, with notable peaks occurring post-WWII and a steady decline since the late 1960s. The highest number of births recorded was in 1957 with 288 occurrences, while the most recent data (2023) shows only 99 births.