Pronunciation: [mˈɔːɹiːn] (IPA) 
The name "Maureen" is spelled M-A-U-R-E-E-N, with the stress on the second syllable. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be /məˈrin/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound. The "au" combination is pronounced as the "aw" sound, like in the word "law". The second syllable is pronounced with a long "e" sound, and the final syllable has a silent "n". Maureen is a popular name in Ireland and the United States.
Maureen is a feminine given name that originated from the Irish language. It is derived from the Irish name Máirín, which is a diminutive form of Máire, the Irish variation of the name Mary. As a result, Maureen shares etymological roots with the name Mary and has similar meanings and symbolism associated with it.
Maureen traditionally signifies "worthy of praise" or "bitterness of the sea." The first meaning points towards attributes such as being admirable, praiseworthy, and highly esteemed. It reflects a person with qualities that deserve recognition for their positive contributions or accomplishments. The latter meaning, "bitterness of the sea," is metaphorical and conveys a sentiment of strength and resilience. It can represent enduring hardships, overcoming challenges, or symbolize the unpredictable nature and transformative forces of the sea.
Maureen has been a popular given name among people of Irish descent, but its usage has spread beyond cultural boundaries over time. It gained popularity particularly in the mid-20th century, both in Ireland and other English-speaking countries. Those named Maureen are often described as compassionate, friendly, and nurturing individuals. They tend to possess a strong sense of empathy and are known for their loyalty towards family and friends.
Overall, Maureen is a name that encapsulates qualities of praise, strength, and resilience, making it an enduring and meaningful choice for parents seeking an Irish-inspired name for their daughter.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The name "Maureen" is derived from the Irish name "Máirín", which is a diminutive form of "Máire", the Irish version of the name Mary. "Máire" itself comes from the Latin name "Maria", which originated from the Hebrew name "Miriam". Miriam is a biblical name mentioned in the Old Testament, and it is commonly believed to mean "sea of bitterness" or "wished for child" in Hebrew. Over time, the Irish version "Máirín" evolved into the Anglicized form "Maureen", which is now used as a given name in English-speaking countries.
