Márais

Márais is a toponymic element found in Celtic-language place-names and, less commonly, a personal name in Irish and Scottish Gaelic traditions. In historical and literary sources, Márais appears as both a component of geographic names and as a given-name element connected to Gaelic heritage.

Etymology and meaning: The origin of Márais is uncertain. In place-names it is often linked to landscape features such as marsh or wetland, reflecting possible Gaelic roots associated with marshy terrain. As a given name, Márais is sometimes treated as a feminine form related to Mary or as a distinct name in its own right, depending on tradition and context.

Geographic and cultural usage: In historical records, Márais occurs as part of Gaelic toponymy in Ireland and Scotland, and as a surname in some Gaelic-speaking communities. In modern times, the form appears in scholarship on onomastics and in literature that explores Gaelic heritage, where it is used to denote cultural or geographical connections.

Spelling and variants: The form is occasionally anglicized or adapted in different regions, yielding variants such as Mairs or Marais in non-Gaelic contexts. As with many Gaelic names, pronunciation and spelling can vary regionally, and adaptations may reflect specific linguistic environments or historical periods.