Irish girl name
Deirdre Name Meaning, Origin & Pronunciation
Deirdre means uncertain, possibly sorrowful. From Old Irish Derdriu, of uncertain meaning
Deirdre is the name of the tragic heroine of the Irish tale of the Sons of Uisneach, a woman who was prophesied to bring ruin on the kings of Ulster because of her beauty. The meaning of the name is unknown, and some old stories connect it to sorrow, though this may be later interpretation. Writers such as J. M. Synge and W. B. Yeats retold her story for the theatre, bringing the name wide attention in the early twentieth century. Today it feels classic and a little vintage, with strong cultural roots.
Variants of Deirdre
DeidreDeirdraDierdreDerdriu
Well-known people named Deirdre
Deirdre Barlow.
In Irish myth
Deirdre was a beautiful woman of Ulster who fled with Naoise, son of Uisneach, and whose story ends in tragedy at the hands of King Conchobar.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Deirdre mean?
Deirdre means "uncertain, possibly sorrowful". From Old Irish Derdriu, of uncertain meaning.
How do you pronounce Deirdre?
Deirdre is pronounced DEER-dra.
What is the origin of Deirdre?
Deirdre is of Irish origin. From Old Irish Derdriu, of uncertain meaning.