muire

Muire is the Irish Gaelic name used specifically for the Virgin Mary. In modern Irish usage Muire is reserved for the mother of Jesus, while Máire is the ordinary feminine form of the name Mary given to women. This distinction is a long-standing feature of Irish naming conventions and reflects religious and cultural respect for the figure of Mary in Catholic and historic Gaelic contexts.

Etymology and pronunciation: Muire derives ultimately from the Latin Maria through Old and Middle Irish adaptations. It is commonly rendered in English-language approximation as "Mweer-uh" or "Mwir-uh." In Irish grammar the name follows regular declension patterns and appears in vocative forms in devotional address (for example, a Mhuire).

Cultural significance: Muire appears widely in Irish-language prayers, hymns, literature, folklore and place‑names that reference the Virgin Mary. It is a prominent element of Catholic devotional practice in Irish-speaking communities and features in traditional songs and devotional poetry. Because Máire is used for secular personal names, the reserved use of Muire helps maintain a linguistic distinction between the religious figure and ordinary bearers of the name Mary.

Variants and related names: Related Gaelic forms include the Scottish Gaelic Mòire and the anglicized Máire; all ultimately reflect the broader Christian onomastic tradition centered on Mary.