Find out how popular the first name Eire has been for the last 18 years (from 2004 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Eire by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Eire is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Eire.

The history of the first name Eire

The name Eire has its origins in the Irish Gaelic language. It is derived from the Old Irish word "Ériu," which was the name of a goddess in Irish mythology. This goddess was believed to be the matron and namesake of Ireland, also known as Éire in the Irish language.

The name Ériu is thought to have come from the Proto-Celtic word "Iveriu," which means "abundant land." This name was likely given to Ireland due to its fertile soil and abundance of natural resources. The earliest recorded use of the name Ériu for the island of Ireland dates back to the 8th century AD, in the work of the Irish monk and scholar Dicuil.

In Irish mythology, the goddess Ériu was one of the three sovereigns of Ireland, along with Banba and Fódla. These three goddesses were said to have welcomed the first settlers to Ireland, the Milesians, and gave the island its name. The story of Ériu and the other goddess sovereigns is recounted in the ancient Irish text known as the Lebor Gabála Érenn (The Book of Invasions).

One of the earliest historical figures known to have borne the name Eire was Eire mac Dedad, a legendary king of Ireland who is said to have ruled in the 5th century BC. Another notable figure was Eire mac Miled, a legendary prince of the Milesians, who was believed to have been one of the first settlers of Ireland.

In more recent history, the name Eire has been associated with several notable individuals. Eire Garven (1895-1974) was an Irish singer and actress who performed on stage and in films. Eire O'Brien (1900-1982) was an Irish-American journalist and author known for her work on Irish culture and history.

Eire Neville (1905-1999) was an Irish-born American actress and dancer who appeared in several Hollywood films in the 1930s and 1940s. Eire O'Connor (1917-1995) was an Irish poet and novelist, best known for her works exploring themes of identity and the Irish experience.

Eire Maguire (1920-2008) was an Irish painter and sculptor whose work was heavily influenced by Irish mythology and folklore. She was a member of the prestigious Royal Hibernian Academy and is recognized as one of Ireland's most significant 20th-century artists.

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 Eire was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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