Deirdre

1. Deirdre name meaning and origin

The name Deirdre originates from ancient Irish mythology, derived from the Old Irish name 'Derdriu.' Linguistically, it is believed to stem from the Celtic word 'der' meaning 'woman' or possibly from 'dehr,' meaning 'grief' or 'sorrow.' This etymological connection to sorrow aligns with the tragic character from Irish legend, Deirdre of the Sorrows, whose story forms one of the three great sorrowful tales of Ireland.

Deirdre's legendary status comes from the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology, where she was prophesied before birth to become the most beautiful woman in Ireland, but also to bring war and suffering. The narrative follows her tragic love affair with Naoise and their eventual demise, cementing the name's association with beauty accompanied by tragedy. Throughout the centuries, the name has maintained its distinctly Celtic character, experiencing periodic revivals particularly during Celtic cultural renaissances in Ireland and Scotland during the 19th and 20th centuries.

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2. Deirdre name popularity

Girl

Boy

in 2023

from 2022

Popularity of Deirdre

United States

United Kingdom

Deirdre is a feminine name with Celtic origins, deriving from the Old Irish name Derdriu. While the name has historical significance in Irish mythology, where Deirdre of the Sorrows was a tragic heroine known for her beauty and sad fate, contemporary popularity data shows limited usage in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

Despite its rich cultural heritage, Deirdre hasn't ranked among the top names in recent years in either country. The name saw modest popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s, but has since declined. Today, Deirdre remains a distinctive choice that carries an air of Celtic mystique while being recognizable but uncommon.

3. Variations and nicknames of Deirdre

The name Deirdre, with its rich Celtic heritage, has evolved across cultures and generations into various forms while maintaining its distinctive character. In Ireland, where the name originates from the tragic heroine in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology, it appears as Deirdre or the Irish Gaelic spelling Deirdre. Scottish variants include Deirdrê and Dearshul, while Anglicized versions have produced Derdriu, Derdre, and Dierdre. When the name traveled to other European countries, it transformed further into forms like Deidra in Wales, Deidre in England, and the more modern American variant Diedre. The pronunciation varies slightly across these spellings, though the core melody of the name remains recognizable.

With such a melodic name come numerous affectionate nicknames that friends and family use. The most common diminutives include Dee, Dede, and Deedee, which capture the name's musical quality in shortened form. Other playful variations include Dier, Deeds, and the sweet Didi. For those preferring a more distinctive nickname, Dre offers a modern twist, while the Irish endearment Deara connects back to the name's Celtic roots. Among family members, especially with children, the tender nicknames DeeDee and Rere are often heard. The versatility of Deirdre allows for this wide range of nicknames, each carrying its own personality while honoring the classic name's enduring appeal in contemporary usage.

4. Best name combinations with Deirdre

Middle names that pair well with Deirdre:

Deirdre Aoife
Deirdre Fiona
Deirdre Maeve
Deirdre Siobhan
Deirdre Niamh
Deirdre Clare
Deirdre Elise
Deirdre Vivienne
Deirdre Isabel
Deirdre Rose
Deirdre Catherine
Deirdre Josephine
Deirdre Genevieve
Deirdre Eleanor
Deirdre Grace
Deirdre Evangeline
Deirdre Jane
Deirdre Quinn
Deirdre Helena
Deirdre Autumn

Names that go well when Deirdre is used as a middle name:

Adelaide Deirdre
Faye Deirdre
Imogen Deirdre
Cecilia Deirdre
Elaine Deirdre
Vivian Deirdre
Margot Deirdre
Sophie Deirdre
Bridget Deirdre
Anna Deirdre
Theresa Deirdre
Clara Deirdre
Eliza Deirdre
Margaret Deirdre
Lucille Deirdre
Katherine Deirdre
Rosalind Deirdre
Evelyn Deirdre
Madeline Deirdre
Juliette Deirdre

5. Numerology of Deirdre name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

7
D(4) + E(5) + I(9) + R(9) + D(4) + R(9) + E(5) = 45 = 4+5 = 9

The Destiny Number 9 indicates someone with humanitarian ideals and a compassionate nature. Deirdre likely has natural leadership qualities and a desire to make meaningful contributions to society. In careers, she may be drawn to helping professions, teaching, counseling, or creative fields that allow her to express her idealistic vision. In relationships, she tends to be giving and forgiving, sometimes putting others' needs before her own. Her challenge is to avoid martyrdom while maintaining healthy boundaries.

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

7
E(5) + I(9) + E(5) = 19 = 1+9 = 10 = 1+0 = 1

With a Soul Urge Number 1, Deirdre's inner desire is for independence and achievement. She has a strong inner drive to lead and pioneer new paths. She yearns for recognition of her uniqueness and individual contributions. In relationships, she values honesty and directness, sometimes struggling with vulnerability. Career-wise, she thrives in positions that allow autonomy and leadership opportunities.

Personality Number:

8
D(4) + R(9) + D(4) + R(9) = 26 = 2+6 = 8

With Personality Number 8, Deirdre projects an image of capability, authority, and practicality to the outside world. People likely see her as ambitious and organized with strong executive abilities. This number suggests she appears confident in handling material resources and managing responsibilities. In professional settings, she may naturally gravitate toward leadership positions or entrepreneurial ventures. In relationships, she likely presents herself as reliable and strong, someone others can depend on during challenges.

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.

6. Names similar to Deirdre

Like Deirdre ? What about:

Bodie

Elaine

Declan

Camille

Ahjin

Dasha

Caleb

Etain

Grainne

Fodhla

Charlee

Afton

Carter

Aiden

Oonagh

Charlette

Danah

Culain

Genya

Golden

Common sibling names

Sisters

Carter

Elaine

Ainsley

Darcy

Bella

Charlee

Ella

Elise

Camille

Brothers

Declan

Caiden

Lorcan

Carter

Oisin

Eli

Conan

Aiden

Bodie

Caleb

Cayden

Caden

Darcy

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