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Maureen

Girl name · 617 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Maureen: 617 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 90 births in 1974.

A soft, Irish lilt distinguishes Maureen, the anglicised form of Mairín, a diminutive of Mary. Its roots trace back to the Hebrew Miriam, a name whose meaning remains debated—possibly "bitter," "rebellious," or "beloved." The most famous bearer is surely the flame-haired actress Maureen O'Hara, star of Hollywood classics like *The Quiet Man*. Closer to home, British actress and comedian Maureen Lipman brought warmth and wit to screens for decades. While no major place carries the name directly, it shares its etymological heart with countless towns and cities named Mary worldwide. Maureen enjoyed peak popularity across Scotland and Ireland in the mid-20th century, lending it a classic, slightly vintage charm that feels both timeless and familiar.