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Deirdre, or in Gaelic, Deirdrui, was the daughter of Fedlimid mac Daill, a clan chieftain from Ulster. Prior to her birth, Cathbad the Druid foretold her future. He said that she would be the most beautiful woman in Ireland, with golden tresses and lovely green eyes. Because of this, she would be marked for certain death and ruin would befall the land.

Conchobar mac Nessa, King of Ulster, decided that she would become his wife when she became of age. He took her from her family and held her in seclusion at the home of Leabharcham, a wise old woman who raised her. Despite the best attempts of Leabharcham to influence Conchobar not to marry her, he was more determined than ever. However, prior to her wedding to Conchobar, Deirdre met a young warrior called Naoise and fell in love with him. Deidre, Naoise and his two brothers, Ainle and Ardan, all the sons of Uisnech, fled to Alba (Scotland). For several years, they were happily married and had a daughter, Aigrene. No matter where they went, the local King insisted on having her as his wife and tried to have Naoise and his brothers killed. After fleeing to a remote island, they felt safe until Conchobar eventually tracked them down.

Conchobar lied that he had forgiven Naoise and Deirdre and sent Fergus mac Róich, an honorable warrior, to invite them to come back to Ulster and to guarantee them safe passage. Fergus was detained on the return journey and sent them off to Emain Macha with his son to protect them. After they arrived, Conchobar sent Leabharcham as a spy, to see if Deirdre had lost her beauty in her many years away. Leabharcham, to protect Dierdre from a marriage to Conchobar, lied to him, telling him that Deirdre had lost all of her beauty. However, Conchobar sent another spy named Trendhorn, who told him that Deirdre was as beautiful as ever.

Upon arriving at Conchobar's court, Deirdre became aware of his trickery. She saw the King's bitterness and knew that he was planning his revenge against Naoise. Fergus, their protector, had to leave Naoise and Deirdre and, as he went on his way, Conchobar ordered his warriors to attack. Naoise and his brothers were killed by Éogan mac Durthachtand, and Deirdre was forced to marry Conchobar. Fergus was angered so by Conchobar's deceit that he exiled himself to Connacht, where he fought against Ulster in the Cattle Raid of Cooley.

Frustrated by Deirdre's hatred toward him, Conchobar offered her to Éogan mac Durthacht, the man who had murdered Naoise, to do with her as he wished. To prevent her escape, he tied her hands and placed her in his chariot. During the long journey, Deirdre managed to throw herself from the chariot and was killed. (In some versions of the story, she died of grief.)

It is told that, from Deirdre's grave, a pine tree grew and, from Naoise's grave, grew another. The two trees met and became so intertwined that nothing could ever part them again.
"Deidre" (pronounced Dee-Dra) means "Melancholy, sorrow, or sadness". There's a story behind it. The reason why the legend is 'deidre died of a broken heart' is because her father killed her boyfriend and forced her to marry another.

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13y ago
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12y ago

"Deidre" (pronounced Dee-Dra) means "Melancholy, sorrow, or sadness". There's a story behind it. The reason why the legend is 'deidre died of a broken heart' is because her father killed her boyfriend and forced her to marry another.

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11y ago

Deidre-

: Female :Irish Melancholy.

A variant of the older name Deirdre In Celtic legend Deirdre died of a broken heart.

DEIDRE

Gender: Feminine

Usage: English

Pronounced: DEE-drə [key]

Variant of DEIRDRE

Theres a story behind it, the reason why the legend is 'deidre died of a broken heart' is because her father killed her boyfriend and forced her to marry another.

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14y ago

deidre means a beautiful person who is intellegent also it means sorrowful.

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15y ago

Deirdre means "sad one."

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Q: What is the meaning of the name Deirdre?
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How was the name Deirdre originally spelled?

The Irish name Deirdre was spelled Derdriu in Old Irish.


What does the name Deirdre mean as a name?

Spelled Derdriu in Old Irish, "the meaning of this name is much in doubt. It could be a pet-form of a name in der (daughter of ...) - or it could be a very old name meaning she who murmurs or chatters"


Is there a St Deirdre as I want that name as my Confirmation name?

Kind of: St Íde (Ita in English) was born Deirdre We are about to baptize our daughter Deirdre. May the Holy Spirit fill you with the grace of Deirdre and may you be a teacher like her.


Is Deirdre boy name or girl name?

Deirdre is typically a girl's name. It is of Gaelic origin and means "sorrowful" or "broken-hearted."


Where does the name Deirdre come from?

Deirdre was the heroine of an ancient Irish Celtic legend with a theme similar to the "Tristan and Isolde" and "Romeo and Juliet" themes: love thwarted by tragedy. In the legend, the villain is Conchobhar, the king of Ulster, who kills Deirdre's lover Naoise and forces Deirdre to become his bride. Deirdre dies of a broken heart. The name Deirdre was almost totally unused as a given name until the early 20th century.


Is the name Deirdre popular?

Noes.


What is the meanning of Deidra?

The name Deidra means Melancholy. It is a Variant of the name 'Deirdre' In Celtic Legend. Deirdre Died Of A Broken Heart.


What is the meaning of the name deirdra?

The girl's name Deirdre is pronounced DEER-drah. It is of Irish and Gaelic origin, and its meaning is "broken-hearted, sorrowful". Also possibly "fear" or "raging woman". Mythology: from a Celtic legend similar to "Tristram and Isolde". The Celtic Deirdre was the most beautiful woman in Ireland. She died of a broken heart. See the related link for more information.