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Deirdre

Girl name · 71 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Deirdre: 71 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 18 births in 1974.

Of Irish Gaelic origin, Deirdre comes from the Old Irish name Derdriu, whose meaning is often debated but is most frequently linked to "broken-hearted" or "sorrowful." In Celtic mythology, Deirdre of the Sorrows is a tragic heroine whose tale of love and loss is a cornerstone of the Ulster Cycle, famously retold in plays by J.M. Synge and William Butler Yeats. While there are no prominent Scottish place names derived directly from Deirdre, the name shares its mythological roots with other figures celebrated across the Gaeltacht regions of both Ireland and Scotland. A famous modern bearer is the American-born actress Deirdre Lovejoy, known for her role in *The Wire*. The spelling Deidre is a common variant, but the traditional Irish form remains the most widely recognised in Scotland.