Dierdre

Dierdre is a variant spelling of the traditional Irish name Deirdre, which originates from ancient Celtic mythology. In Irish legend, Deirdre was a woman of extraordinary beauty whose tragic story is told in the Ulster Cycle as "Deirdre of the Sorrows." The name is believed to derive from the Old Irish word "derdrethar," meaning "to surge" or "to flash." This alternative spelling maintains the melodic quality of the original while offering a slightly different visual presentation. Though less common than the standard Deirdre spelling, Dierdre shares its poetic associations and Irish cultural connections. The name has never been extremely popular but experienced modest usage during the mid-20th century when interest in Celtic names increased in English-speaking countries.

Pronounced DEER-drah.

As of October 2026, Dierdre ranked #15773 in US births in 2009 SSA, peaked at #1420 in 1961.