Maura Name Meaning: Origin and Significance

August 26, 2023 David Thomas Name meaning Comments Off on Maura Name Meaning: Origin and Significance

Maura is a name that has been used for centuries and has a rich history. The name Maura is primarily a female name of Irish origin that means “of the sea” or “bitter.” It is a form of the name Maire, which is the Irish 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. Today, Maura is a popular name in Ireland and is gaining popularity in other parts of the world. It has a somber, almost mournful sound, but it is still a lovely name. If you are considering naming your child Maura, it is important to understand the name’s origins and meanings.

Meaning of Maura

Maura is a female given name with Irish origin. It is derived from the name Máire, which is the Irish form of the name Mary. Mary is a name that has its roots in the Hebrew name Miryam, which means “beloved” or “wished for child”.

The name Maura also has connections to the Greek name Mari, which means “bitter”. In Latin, the name Maura means “of the sea”, which is a fitting meaning for a name that has Irish roots, given Ireland’s close proximity to the Atlantic ocean.

Maura is a great name for a baby girl, and its popularity has been on the rise in recent years. It is easy to pronounce and spell, and it has a lovely sound to it. The name Maura is also associated with love and femininity, making it a perfect choice for parents who want to give their daughter a name that is both beautiful and meaningful.

In Spanish and Italian, the name Maura is spelled the same way as it is in English, and it has the same meaning of “of the sea”. In Gaelic, the name is spelled Maire, which is the same as the Irish form of the name Mary.

Overall, the name Maura is a great choice for parents who want to give their daughter a name that is both unique and meaningful. Its origins in Irish and its connections to other languages give it a rich history and a sense of cultural significance.

Popularity of the Name

Maura is a unique and beautiful name that has been growing in popularity in recent years. According to Nameberry, Maura was the 1698th most popular name in 2023, and it has been steadily rising in popularity over the past few years. In fact, it ranked 599th in 2020, which is a significant increase from its previous ranking of 2023.

In the United States, the popularity of the name Maura has also been on the rise. BabyCenter reports that Maura was the 1109th most popular name in 2023, which is a significant increase from its previous ranking of 2869 in 2022. This increase in popularity could be due to a number of factors, including the name’s unique sound and its Irish origins.

It’s worth noting that while Maura is becoming more popular, it is still a relatively uncommon name. This makes it a great choice for parents who are looking for a name that is both unique and beautiful.

In recent news, there have not been any major stories or events related to the name Maura. However, the rising popularity of the name suggests that more and more parents are falling in love with this beautiful name.

Overall, the popularity of the name Maura is on the rise, both in the United States and around the world. Its unique sound and Irish origins make it a great choice for parents who are looking for a name that is both beautiful and uncommon.

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Variations and Anglicisations

The name Maura has several variations and anglicisations. It is an anglicised form of Maire, which in Irish means Mary. Mary is an English form of Maria, the name used in the New Testament, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Miryam. There are several possible meanings of Miryam, some of them being: “lots of bitterness”, “wished for child”, “bitter sea”, “rebellious woman”, or “beloved”.

In Scottish Gaelic, Maura is the anglicised form of Màiri, which is the 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 some cases, Maura is also a variation of other names such as Miles, Mara, Mare, Mario, and Muire. Moira and Moyra are also considered variations of Maura.

The name Maura is also associated with several saints. Saint Maura of Egypt was a martyred companion of Timothy the Reader during the Diocletian Persecution. Saint Maura of Ireland was a martyred companion of Britta. Saint Maura of Troyes was a noble French virgin.

Overall, the name Maura has a rich history and is associated with various cultures and traditions.

Famous People Named Maura

Maura is a name that has been used by many notable people throughout history. Here are a few famous people named Maura:

  • Maura Tierney: An American actress who is best known for her roles in TV shows such as ER, The Affair, and The Good Wife.
  • Maura Davis: An American musician who was the lead singer of the band Denali and has also worked on other musical projects.
  • Maura Johnston: An American music journalist and critic who has written for publications such as Rolling Stone, The Village Voice, and The Boston Globe.
  • Maura Murphy: An Irish singer and songwriter who has released several albums and is known for her folk and traditional music.
  • Maura O’Connell: An Irish singer and actress who has won several awards for her music and has also appeared in films and TV shows.
  • Maura Tombelli: An Italian astronomer who has made significant contributions to the study of asteroids and comets.

These are just a few examples of famous people named Maura. Each of them has made their mark in their respective fields and has contributed to the world in their own unique way. Whether it’s through music, acting, astronomy, or any other field, these individuals have shown that the name Maura can be associated with success and achievement.

In addition to these famous individuals, there are also many sisters and other family members named Maura who have made a positive impact on the world. Whether it’s through their work in their communities or their contributions to their families, these individuals have shown that the name Maura can be associated with kindness, compassion, and strength.

Overall, the name Maura has a rich history and has been associated with many notable individuals throughout the years. Whether you’re considering naming your child Maura or just have an interest in the name’s meaning and history, there is no doubt that it has a special place in the world.

Maura in Fiction

The name Maura has appeared in various works of fiction, from books to TV shows. Here are a few notable examples:

  • Maura Isles: Maura Isles is a character in the Rizzoli & Isles book series by Tess Gerritsen. She is a medical examiner and one of the main characters in the series. Maura is known for her intelligence and analytical skills, and she often helps her friend Jane Rizzoli solve crimes.

  • Maura Labingi: Maura Labingi is a character in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings series. She is a hobbit and the wife of Samwise Gamgee. Maura is known for her kindness and her love for her family.

  • Frodo Baggins: Frodo Baggins is the main character in The Lord of the Rings series. In the books, Frodo’s mother was named Primula Brandybuck, but in the movies, her name was changed to Maura. This change was made to avoid confusion with another character named Primrose.

  • Transparent: Maura Pfefferman is a character in the TV show Transparent. She is a transgender woman who comes out to her family in her 70s. Maura is played by Jeffrey Tambor, who won multiple awards for his portrayal of the character.

  • Maura Ellis: Maura Ellis is a character in the book The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger. She is the assistant to Miranda Priestly, the editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine. Maura is known for her snarky comments and her loyalty to Miranda.

  • Amy Poehler: Amy Poehler played a character named Maura in the movie Sisters. Maura is the sister of Kate, played by Tina Fey. The movie follows the sisters as they throw one last party in their childhood home before it is sold.

  • Maura Sargent: Maura Sargent is a character in the book The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater. She is the mother of Blue Sargent, one of the main characters in the book. Maura is known for her psychic abilities and her mysterious past.

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These are just a few examples of the name Maura appearing in fiction. As you can see, the name has been used for a variety of different characters, from medical examiners to hobbits to transgender women.

Name Generation and Personality

Maura is a beautiful name that has been gaining popularity in recent years. If you’re considering this name for your baby girl, you may be wondering about its meaning and origin. In this section, we’ll explore the name generation and personality traits associated with the name Maura.

Name Generation

Maura is a Latin name that means “dark.” It is derived from the name Maurus, which was a Roman name meaning “dark-skinned.” The name Maura is often associated with the Irish-American community, as it is a popular name in Irish culture.

Maura has two syllables and is pronounced “MAWR-ah.” It is a lovely name that is easy to say and spell, making it a great choice for parents who want a unique name that is not too difficult to pronounce.

Personality

If you’re looking for a name that is associated with positive personality traits, Maura is an excellent choice. People with this name are often described as intelligent, creative, and independent. They have a strong sense of self and are not afraid to speak their minds.

Maura is also associated with kindness and compassion. People with this name are often empathetic and caring, and they have a natural ability to connect with others. They are often the ones who go out of their way to help others, and they have a strong sense of social justice.

In conclusion, the name Maura is a beautiful and meaningful name that has a rich history and is associated with positive personality traits. If you’re considering this name for your baby girl, you can be assured that it is a great choice that will serve her well throughout her life.

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Maura in Religion and Culture

Maura is a name that has been used in various cultures and religions throughout history. Here is a brief overview of the name’s significance in different contexts.

Christians

Maura is a name that is associated with several Christian saints, including Saint Maura of Troyes and Saint Maura of Constantinople. Saint Maura of Troyes was a third-century martyr who was beheaded for refusing to renounce her faith. Saint Maura of Constantinople was a ninth-century nun who was known for her piety and wisdom.

Groups

In addition to its religious significance, the name Maura has also been used by various groups throughout history. For example, the Mauretani people were a group of Berber tribes who lived in North Africa during the Roman Empire. The name Mauretania was also used to refer to the region that they inhabited.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and considering the name Maura for your baby, you may be interested to know that the name has several meanings depending on the culture. In Irish, the name Maura means “bitter,” while in Italian, it means “dark-skinned.” In Hebrew, the name Maura means “to wish for a child.”

Baby Names

Maura is a popular name for baby girls in many parts of the world, particularly in Ireland and Italy. If you are looking for a unique and meaningful name for your daughter, Maura is a great choice.

Overall, the name Maura has a rich history and cultural significance that makes it a great choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.

Other Information

If you’re considering the name Maura for your baby girl, there are a few other interesting pieces of information you might want to know.

Britta

Maura is a name that is popular in Ireland, but it is also used in other countries around the world. In Sweden, for example, the name Maura is sometimes used as a nickname for the name Britta. Britta is a Scandinavian name that means “strength” or “exalted one.”

Justice

The name Maura has a strong and powerful meaning. It is derived from the Latin word “maurus,” which means “dark-skinned” or “Moorish.” In ancient times, the Moors were known for their bravery and strength in battle. As such, the name Maura is often associated with justice and righteousness.

Santa

In some cultures, the name Maura is associated with the Christian holiday of Christmas. In Italy and other parts of Europe, the figure of Saint Nicholas (known as “Babbo Natale” in Italy) is often depicted with a helper named La Befana. La Befana is a witch-like figure who delivers presents to children on the night of January 5th. In some versions of the story, La Befana’s real name is Maura.

References

If you’re interested in learning more about the name Maura, there are plenty of resources available online. Some good places to start include:

Overall, the name Maura is a beautiful and meaningful choice for a baby girl. Whether you’re drawn to its Irish roots, its association with justice and strength, or its connection to the holiday season, there are plenty of reasons to consider this name for your little one.