Find out how popular the first name Moreen has been for the last 21 years (from 1978 to 1998) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Moreen by gender

Based on the last 21 years of data, Moreen is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1998, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Moreen.

The history of the first name Moreen

The name Moreen is believed to have its origins in the Gaelic language, which was spoken by the Celtic people of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. It is thought to be a variant of the Scottish name Muireann, which means "bright" or "shining." This name can be traced back to ancient times, with some sources suggesting that it may have been derived from the Old Irish word "muir," meaning sea.

In early medieval Ireland, the name Muireann was associated with several legendary figures, including a warrior princess and a goddess of the sea. It was also a popular name among the ancient Irish nobility, with numerous references to women bearing this name in historical records and manuscripts from the 8th to 12th centuries.

One of the earliest documented instances of the spelling "Moreen" dates back to the 16th century, when it was used as a variant of Muireann in parts of Scotland and Ireland. During this period, the name gained popularity among both Catholic and Protestant families, and it was often given to children as a testament to their faith or in honor of a religious figure.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Moreen. One of the earliest recorded examples is Moreen O'Donnell (c. 1520-1590), an Irish noblewoman and chieftain of the O'Donnell clan in Donegal. She played a significant role in the Irish confederate wars against the English Crown in the late 16th century.

Another notable figure was Moreen Duval (1703-1776), a French actress and opera singer who achieved great fame in the 18th century. She was known for her performances in the operas of Rameau and Lully, and was a celebrated figure in the cultural life of Paris during the Enlightenment era.

In the 19th century, Moreen MacLean (1837-1911) was a Scottish author and journalist who wrote extensively on the history and culture of the Scottish Highlands. Her works, including "The Literature of the Highlanders" and "The Highlanders of Scotland," helped to preserve and promote the rich traditions of her native land.

In the 20th century, Moreen Shepherd (1921-2004) was a British actress and television presenter who had a long and successful career on stage, film, and television. She is perhaps best known for her role as the matriarch in the popular sitcom "The Royle Family," which aired on the BBC from 1998 to 2000.

Finally, Moreen Naidu (born 1961) is a contemporary South African actress and activist who has worked extensively in both film and television. She has been recognized for her performances in movies such as "The Quarry" and "Sarafina!," and has also been involved in various social and political causes, particularly related to women's rights and HIV/AIDS awareness.

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

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

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