Maura

Meaning: (Moor, Star of the Sea, Of the Sea, Bitter, Derived from the word Maurus “Swarthy, Dark Skinned, Moor”. From the Roman nickname. Maura is the feminine form of the Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese Mauro. Form of Maire (Mary), Variant of Mary.)

Origin: (Irish, Latin)

Pronunciation: (MOHR-a, MOW-ra, MAW-ra, MAO-Raa)

Gender: Female

I have seen this name a lot lately. I like the meanings and the look is a nice alternative to Mary. It can fit in many genres and eras and it’s a name I could see on a nice strong heroine. I see a large manor house with a pretty heroine residing over it when I hear and see this name.