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

Popularity of Moira by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Moira is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 113 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Moira.

The history of the first name Moira

The name Moira has its roots in Greek mythology and language. It is derived from the ancient Greek word "moira," which means "share" or "portion." The name was originally associated with the three Moirai, also known as the Fates, who were three mythological goddesses responsible for determining the fate and lifespan of mortals.

In Greek mythology, the three Moirai were Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. Clotho was responsible for spinning the thread of life, Lachesis determined the length of the thread, and Atropos cut the thread at the end of a person's life. The concept of the Moirai was central to the Greek belief in predestination and the idea that each person's fate was predetermined and inescapable.

The name Moira appears in various ancient Greek texts, including the works of Homer, Hesiod, and other classical authors. It was a relatively uncommon name in ancient Greece but gained popularity during the Byzantine era and the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Moira dates back to the 12th century. Moira of Brittany, also known as Constance, was a Duchess of Brittany who lived from around 1114 to 1166. She played a significant role in the political struggles of her time and was known for her intelligence and determination.

Another notable figure with the name Moira was Moira Forsyth (1905-1991), a Scottish novelist and biographer. Her works include "The Shorn Lamb" and biographies of Harriet Shelley and Mary Wollstonecraft.

Moira Anderson (1913-2006) was a Scottish singer and actress who achieved fame in the mid-20th century. She was known for her performances in musical theater and her recordings of traditional Scottish songs.

Moira Shearer (1926-2006) was a renowned British ballet dancer and actress. She is best remembered for her starring role in the classic film "The Red Shoes" (1948), which showcased her exceptional talent and grace on the stage.

Moira Kelly (born 1968) is an American actress known for her roles in films such as "The Cutting Edge" (1992), "Chaplin" (1992), and the television series "The Incredible Hulk" (1996-1997).

While the name Moira has its origins in ancient Greek mythology and language, it has been adopted and used in various cultures throughout history, often with slight variations in spelling or pronunciation. Its association with the concept of fate and destiny has contributed to its enduring popularity as a given name.

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

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

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