Mairi
Fact sheet
- Name
- Mairi
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
Mairi, also spelled Màiri, is a Scottish Gaelic form of the name Mary.
What does the name Mairi mean?
Mairi, or Màiri, is a Scottish Gaelic derivative of Mary or Maria. The origin and meaning of this biblical name are still not definitively clarified. One possible derivation could be the Egyptian meaning 'the beloved'. Meanings from Aramaic and Hebrew such as 'the (gift from God)', 'the well-nourished', 'the sea myrrh', 'the sea drop', 'the headstrong', or 'the untamed' can also be derived. Further details on the various derivations can be found on the name page for Maria. The girl's name Màiri is especially common in Scotland. Related forms include Máire and Mhairi.
Where does the name Mairi come from?
The name Mairi has its roots in Egyptian and ancient Hebrew terms and encompasses meanings such as 'the sea myrrh' or 'the (gift from God)' as well as others.
How do you pronounce Mairi?
The pronunciation of the name Mairi is soft and flowing; in German, it is usually rendered as 'Mai-ri' [ˈmaɪ̯ʁi] or [ˈmeːʁi]. It begins with a diphthong or a stretched vowel, conveying a sense of openness. The rolling or breathy 'r' gives the second syllable a certain depth. The bright ending syllable '-i' provides a friendly and open sound. Thus, Mairi is Nordic, feminine, and present, with a fluid beginning and a gentle conclusion.
When is the name day of Mairi?
The most important name day for Màiri falls on September 12 (Feast of the Holy Name of Mary).
Popularity
In Germany, Mairi is among the more common first names. The name currently ranks 4,045th on the list of the most popular female baby names. Its highest ranking was achieved in 2008, reaching 1,636th place. In the last ten years, Mairi has been given as a first name around 50 times, placing it 3,664th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it holds the 3,591st position.
Nicknames & pet names
Maimai
Famous people
- Mairi Campbell (Scottish singer)
- Mairi Hedderwick (British artist)
Frequently asked questions about the name Mairi
What is the origin of the name Mairi?
Mairi has its roots in the Scottish Gaelic language and is a derivative of the name Maria. The name draws from various sources, including Egyptian and ancient Hebrew terms.
What does the name Mairi mean?
The meanings of the name Mairi are diverse and include 'the beloved', 'the (gift from God)', as well as 'the sea myrrh'.
How popular is the name Mairi?
Mairi is especially common in Scotland and enjoys great popularity there. In other regions, it is less common, but its cultural roots give it a special charm.