Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Maureen is an Irish name derived from Máire, which itself originates from the Hebrew name Miriam. It means 'bitter' or 'beloved.' The name has evolved through various forms in different languages. Maureen has a historical significance in the 20th century as a popular name in English-speaking regions. It carries a classic charm, with several notable individuals bearing the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/mɔːˈriːn/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
Maureen is a diminutive form of the Irish name Máire, which is the Irish form of Mary. The name Mary itself is derived from the Hebrew name Miriam.
Meaning
bitter; beloved
Language Evolution
Miriam (Hebrew), Maria (Latin), Máire (Irish), Maureen (English)
Historical Usage
Maureen gained popularity in the 20th century, especially in English-speaking countries, as a common name for girls.
Variants & Derivatives
Mairead, Moira, Molly
Modern Popularity & Image
Maureen is often perceived as a classic name with a warm and friendly connotation, though it has become less common in recent decades.
Famous People
Maureen O'Hara, Maureen Stapleton, Maureen McGovern
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 4,605 peak births in 1957
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Massachusetts
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (7 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 7 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3635th of 6773 | 75 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2894th of 7552 | 154 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4508th of 10718 | 84 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 12845th of 16616 | 15 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 653rd of 9107 | 2,182 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 154th of 9204 | 26,546 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 104th of 12526 | 79,645 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 188th of 19264 | 24,926 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 446th of 27321 | 8,675 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1784th of 35406 | 1,780 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3807th of 30306 | 479 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
55.90% 1947th/3483 |
- | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
38.06% 539th/1416 |
30.60% 422nd/1379 |
37.45% 886th/2366 |
48.25% 551st/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
10.22% 158th/1546 |
4.95% 77th/1556 |
20.19% 475th/2353 |
10.73% 166th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
5.34% 119th/2227 |
1.52% 37th/2430 |
10.59% 302nd/2853 |
5.05% 140th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
6.61% 194th/2937 |
2.56% 89th/3483 |
14.01% 493rd/3518 |
7.57% 306th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
9.36% 345th/3685 |
5.32% 238th/4475 |
15.52% 806th/5194 |
9.75% 616th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
29.79% 1365th/4582 |
19.64% 1014th/5164 |
35.88% 2624th/7313 |
30.12% 2248th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
78.26% 3118th/3984 |
56.56% 2538th/4487 |
81.41% 5554th/6822 |
62.95% 3951st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Massachusetts across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3635th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2894th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4508th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12845th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 653rd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 154th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 104th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 188th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 446th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1784th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3807th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.