Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Moira
GirlIrish, Greek· “Irish form of Mary; also Greek fate”
- Meaning
- Irish form of Mary; also Greek fate
- Origin
- Irish, Greek
- Pronunciation
- MOY-ruh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,047
- US babies 2025
- 93
- Best rank
- #834 (1965)
- Peak year
- 1963
Meaning and origin of Moira
Moira is an Irish and Greek name that is usually said to mean “Irish form of Mary; also Greek fate”.
Moira has two sources. In Ireland and Scotland it is an anglicized form of Máire, the Irish form of Mary. In Greek, moira means fate or destiny, and the Moirai were the three Fates of Greek mythology who spun, measured and cut the thread of life. The name has a soft, lyrical sound and a timeless quality. It has been used in literature and on screen, which adds to its appeal.
Popularity over time
Moira first appears in US Social Security records in 1913. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 9 different years, starting in 1955. Its best national rank was #834 in 1965, and the most babies received it in 1963, when 144 were named Moira. In 2025, 93 babies were named Moira, and it ranked #2,047 nationally. That is 29% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,519 in 1950, #1,653 in 1980, #1,444 in 2000, #2,054 in 2010, and #2,047 in 2025. Of the 7,941 US girls named Moira since records began, 15% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 1,199 babies. Since 2010, 1,816 more have been named Moira.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Penni, Tonda, Deeann, Daneen, and Risa.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Moira ranked highest in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | #1548 | 5 |
| Ohio | #1634 | 5 |
| New York | #1994 | 6 |
| California | #2046 | 10 |
| Texas | #3189 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Moira is usually pronounced MOY-ruh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with M and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Moira
A few middle names that flow with Moira: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Moira
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Lists that include Moira
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Moira mean?
Moira is an Irish and Greek name that is usually said to mean “Irish form of Mary; also Greek fate”.
What is the origin of the name Moira?
Moira has Irish and Greek roots. Moira has two sources.
Is Moira a popular name?
Not especially. Moira ranked #2,047 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Moira a boy or girl name?
Moira is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Moira?
Moira is usually pronounced MOY-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