Deirdre

Deirdre is a female given name of Gaelic origin. Derived from Old Irish Deirdre, the name is commonly interpreted as meaning “sorrowful” or “broken-hearted,” though the exact etymology is uncertain. It is widely used in Ireland and among Irish communities abroad, and has variants such as Deidre and Deirdra in English-language usage.

In Irish mythology, Deirdre of the Sorrows is a central figure of the Ulster Cycle. According to legend, she is a strikingly beautiful woman whose fate drives political and personal tragedy. Raised in seclusion to protect her beauty, she falls in love with Naoise; they flee to Ulster with the three sons of Usna, but Conchobar mac Nessa, the king of Ulster, desires Deirdre and, through manipulation, brings about the lovers’ downfall. Depending on version, Naoise and the lovers are killed, and Deirdre dies of heartbreak. The tale is often read as a tragedy about desire, power, and fate, and it has influenced later Irish poetry and drama.

In modern times the name Deirdre has been used in literature, theatre, film, and television, frequently invoking the mythic associations of beauty and tragedy. Today the name remains in use in Ireland and in English-speaking countries, sometimes under variant spellings, and continues to appear in fictional works and popular culture.