Find out how popular the first name Meara has been for the last 48 years (from 1977 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A feminine name of Irish origin meaning "the shining one".
Based on the last 48 years of data, Meara is exclusively a female name.
For the most recent data in 2024, there were 34 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Meara.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
2024 | 0 | 34 |
2023 | 0 | 23 |
2022 | 0 | 39 |
2021 | 0 | 34 |
2020 | 0 | 36 |
2019 | 0 | 50 |
2018 | 0 | 64 |
2017 | 0 | 59 |
2016 | 0 | 52 |
2015 | 0 | 72 |
2014 | 0 | 66 |
2013 | 0 | 62 |
2012 | 0 | 53 |
2011 | 0 | 35 |
2010 | 0 | 27 |
2009 | 0 | 29 |
2008 | 0 | 39 |
2007 | 0 | 47 |
2006 | 0 | 45 |
2005 | 0 | 50 |
2004 | 0 | 41 |
2003 | 0 | 31 |
2002 | 0 | 33 |
2001 | 0 | 26 |
2000 | 0 | 35 |
1999 | 0 | 23 |
1998 | 0 | 29 |
1997 | 0 | 28 |
1996 | 0 | 17 |
1995 | 0 | 14 |
1994 | 0 | 13 |
1993 | 0 | 13 |
1992 | 0 | 14 |
1991 | 0 | 11 |
1990 | 0 | 11 |
1989 | 0 | 12 |
1988 | 0 | 11 |
1987 | 0 | 9 |
1986 | 0 | 8 |
1985 | 0 | 16 |
1984 | 0 | 8 |
1983 | 0 | 8 |
1982 | 0 | 19 |
1981 | 0 | 11 |
1980 | 0 | 8 |
1979 | 0 | 5 |
1977 | 0 | 7 |
The name Meara is of Celtic origin, with roots in the Gaelic and Irish languages. It is believed to have emerged in the early medieval period, around the 5th to 6th centuries CE, in the regions of Ireland and Scotland.
Meara is derived from the Gaelic word "muir," which means "sea" or "ocean." This connection to the sea suggests that the name may have been given to individuals living in coastal areas or those with a close association with maritime life. Some linguists also link it to the Old Irish word "mara," meaning "great" or "excellent."
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Meara can be found in the ancient Irish text, the Annals of Ulster, which mentions a woman named Meara ingen Domnaill (Meara, daughter of Domnall) in the year 637 CE. This historical reference suggests that the name was in use during the early medieval period in Ireland.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Meara. One of the most famous was Meara, Queen of Connacht, who ruled in the 7th century CE. She was known for her political influence and her support of the church during her reign.
Another prominent figure was Meara ingen Scandail, a 9th-century Irish princess and daughter of the King of Uí Failghe. She was renowned for her beauty and her patronage of the arts.
In the 12th century, Meara Ní Chonchobair was an Irish noblewoman and the wife of Ruaidri Ua Conchobair, the last High King of Ireland. She played a significant role in the political affairs of her time.
Moving to more recent times, Meara Hackett (1908-1997) was an Irish playwright and novelist, known for her works that explored themes of love, loss, and the human condition.
Lastly, Meara Rubicam (1966-present) is a contemporary American artist and sculptor, recognized for her large-scale public installations and her innovative use of materials.
These examples demonstrate the enduring presence of the name Meara throughout various periods and cultures, with individuals from diverse backgrounds and professions bearing this name with pride.
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 Meara was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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"Meara first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on August 24, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/meara-meaning-and-history/.
"Meara first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/meara-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 24 August, 2025
Meara first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/meara-meaning-and-history/.
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