Find out how popular the first name Deidre has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Deidre by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Deidre is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Deidre being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Deidre.

The history of the first name Deidre

The name Deidre has its roots in the ancient Irish language. It is derived from the Gaelic word "derdriu," which means "wanderer" or "traveler." The name is believed to have originated in the 5th or 6th century AD, during the time of the early Celtic tribes in Ireland.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Deidre can be found in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. In the epic tale "The Tragic Story of Deirdre and the Sons of Usnach," Deidre is a beautiful and tragic heroine who is forced to flee her homeland with her lover, Naoise, and his brothers. This ancient tale has been passed down through oral tradition for centuries and has had a significant influence on Irish folklore and literature.

The name Deidre gained popularity in medieval times, particularly among the Irish nobility. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is Deidre, the daughter of the 11th-century Irish king Muirchertach Ua Briain. She was known for her beauty and her tragic love affair with the Norman knight Toirdhealbhach Ua Conchobhair.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Deidre. In the 16th century, Deidre O'Donnell was an Irish noblewoman and the wife of the famous chieftain Red Hugh O'Donnell. She played a crucial role in the Nine Years' War against English rule in Ireland.

Another famous Deidre was Deidre Dee-Sampson (1914-2007), a British actress who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout the 20th century. She was known for her roles in classics such as "The Winslow Boy" and "The Sundowners."

In the literary world, Deidre Madden (born 1944) is an acclaimed Irish novelist and playwright. Her works, including "Molly Fox's Birthday" and "One by One in the Darkness," have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards.

Deidre McGuinness (1953-2011) was an Irish singer and traditional musician who played a significant role in the revival of Irish folk music in the late 20th century. She was renowned for her beautiful renditions of traditional Irish ballads and her work in preserving Ireland's rich musical heritage.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Deidre was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Deidre, please contact us.

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