Find out how popular the first name Mayre has been for the last 23 years (from 1989 to 2011) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mayre by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Mayre is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2011, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mayre.

The history of the first name Mayre

The given name Mayre is believed to have originated from the Old English language, with roots tracing back to the 7th century AD. It is thought to be derived from the Old English word "maere," which means "famous" or "illustrious." This suggests that the name Mayre may have been initially bestowed upon individuals who were well-known or held in high regard within their communities.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mayre can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a historical record dating back to the late 9th century. This chronicle mentions a woman named Mayre who lived in the region of Mercia during the reign of King Offa (757-796 AD). Although the details surrounding her life are scarce, her inclusion in this significant historical document suggests that she may have been a notable figure in her time.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Mayre appears to have been particularly popular in various regions of England. One notable bearer of this name was Mayre Becket, a 12th-century noblewoman and cousin of the famous archbishop, Thomas Becket (1118-1170). Mayre Becket was known for her patronage of the arts and her support for the construction of several churches in the county of Kent.

In the 14th century, the name Mayre gained prominence with the birth of Mayre Chaucer (1342-1403), the daughter of the renowned English poet, Geoffrey Chaucer. Mayre Chaucer was a respected figure in her own right, serving as a lady-in-waiting to several English queens and playing an influential role in the royal court.

Another notable bearer of the name Mayre was Mayre Boleyn (1499-1543), the sister of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII. Mayre Boleyn was a prominent figure at the Tudor court and was known for her intelligence and wit. She served as a confidante to both her sister and the king, and her influence extended beyond the realm of court politics.

In more recent times, the name Mayre has remained relatively uncommon, but it has been carried on by a few notable individuals. One such person was Mayre Bradbury (1867-1944), an English writer and activist who campaigned for women's rights and social reform in the early 20th century.

While the name Mayre has deep historical roots and has been borne by notable individuals throughout the centuries, its use has waned in modern times. However, its rich heritage and associations with illustrious figures from the past continue to make it a distinctive and intriguing choice for those seeking a name steeped in history and significance.

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

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

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