Deirdre, pronounced as /ˈdʒɛdrə/, is an Irish female given name of uncertain origin. It is believed to derive from the Old Irish word 'derb' meaning "spear," potentially indicating a strong or warlike nature. Alternatively, some sources suggest it may come from the Old Irish 'der' meaning "fast" or "swift." The name gained prominence in Ireland through its use by figures such as Deirdre of the Sorrows, a character from ancient Irish mythology who is known for her beauty and tragic fate. Today, Deirdre continues to be used as an independent given name, often favored for its unique sound and historical significance.
"Dierdre experienced significant popularity fluctuations between 1941 and 2009, peaking in the late '40s to early '60s with totals ranging from a low of 5 births per year to a high of 62 in 1961. After the mid-'70s, usage dramatically declined, averaging around 10 births annually until it fell below 5 by the late '80s. Since then, Dierdre has remained quite uncommon."