Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Maura
GirlIrish, Latin· “uncertain; Irish name or dark”
- Meaning
- uncertain; Irish name or dark (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish, Latin
- Pronunciation
- MAW-ruh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,640
- US babies 2025
- 127
- Best rank
- #468 (1964)
- Peak year
- 1964
Meaning and origin of Maura
Maura is often said to mean “uncertain; Irish name or dark”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and Latin roots.
Maura is an Irish name whose origin is uncertain. It is often treated as an Irish form of Mary, and it has also been linked to the Irish word mór, "great," and to Latin maurus, "dark" or "Moorish." Saints named Maura were honored in the early Church. The name has long been used in Ireland and among Irish families abroad. Pronounced MAW-ruh, it has a soft, gentle sound and a classic feel. Maura suits parents who want an Irish name that is easy to pronounce, and Mo is an affectionate nickname.
Other spellings with the same sound: Mora.
Popularity over time
Maura first appears in US Social Security records in 1903. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 58 different years, starting in 1948. Its best national rank was #468 in 1964, the same year it reached its highest count of 430 babies. In 2025, 127 babies were named Maura, and it ranked #1,640 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,334 in 1920, #1,024 in 1950, #724 in 1980, #748 in 2000, #1,248 in 2010, and #1,640 in 2025. Of the 19,965 US girls named Maura since records began, 18% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 3,263 babies. Since 2010, 2,293 more have been named Maura.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lolita, Felecia, Alesia, Jacquline, and Caryn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Maura ranked highest in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | #638 | 16 |
| Wisconsin | #880 | 5 |
| Illinois | #981 | 9 |
| Missouri | #1038 | 5 |
| Ohio | #1105 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Maura is usually pronounced MAW-ruh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with M and ends in “-ra”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Mora.
Middle names for Maura
A few middle names that flow with Maura: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Maura
Similar names
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Lists that include Maura
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Maura mean?
Maura is often said to mean “uncertain; Irish name or dark”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and Latin roots.
What is the origin of the name Maura?
Maura has Irish and Latin roots. Maura is an Irish name whose origin is uncertain.
Is Maura a popular name?
Not especially. Maura ranked #1,640 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Maura a boy or girl name?
Maura is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Maura?
Maura is usually pronounced MAW-ruh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings