All about the name

Daire

Male

« Daire is an Irish name derived from the ancient Gaelic word 'daire', meaning 'fruitful' or 'productive'. It was traditionally given to boys but is now more commonly used for girls. Notable bearers include Saint Daire of Iona, a 6th-century Christian missionary. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Daire is a unique and distinctive name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Gaelic word "daire," which means "fruitful" or "productive." The name was often given to boys in Ireland during the Middle Ages, but it has since become more commonly used for girls. The earliest known reference to the name Daire comes from an Irish manuscript called the "Book of Leinster," which dates back to the 12th century. In this text, a character named Daire is mentioned as being one of the mythical Tuatha Dé Danann, a group of gods and goddesses in Irish mythology. Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Daire. One of the most famous was Saint Daire of Iona, who was an early Christian missionary and abbot of Iona Abbey on the island of Iona off the coast of Scotland. He is believed to have lived during the 6th century and is said to have been a cousin of Saint Columba. Today, Daire is still a popular name in Ireland, but it has also gained popularity around the world. While it may not be as well-known as some other Irish names like Saoirse or Finley, it remains a unique and meaningful choice for parents looking for a name with deep roots in Irish history and culture.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Daire since 1880

Total births
221
Total since 1880
Peak year
2020
32 births
in 2023
26
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+306%
vs previous 5 years