Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kira
GirlRussian, Greek· “lady; feminine of Kyros”
- Meaning
- lady; feminine of Kyros
- Origin
- Russian, Greek
- Pronunciation
- KEER-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #385
- US babies 2025
- 801
- Best rank
- #241 (2005)
- Peak year
- 2005
Meaning and origin of Kira
Kira is a Russian and Greek name that is usually said to mean “lady; feminine of Kyros”.
Kira has several independent sources. In Russian it is the feminine of Kir, from the Greek Kyros, a name related to kyrios, lord, and Kyra, lady. In Japanese, similar-sounding names can be written with characters meaning shining or sparkle. Kira is also used as a modern English name without a particular etymology, chosen for its crisp sound. Its multicultural roots make it easy to wear in many countries. Kira is short and bright, and the spellings Kyra and Keira offer familiar alternatives.
Popularity over time
Kira first appears in US Social Security records in 1938. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 54 different years, starting in 1969. Its best national rank was #241 in 2005, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,391 babies. In 2025, 801 babies were named Kira, and it ranked #385 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #787 in 1980, #292 in 2000, #309 in 2010, and #385 in 2025. Of the 40,829 US girls named Kira since records began, 30% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 8,979 babies. Since 2010, 13,613 more have been named Kira.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Heaven, Kailey, Savanna, Carolina, and Fatima.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kira ranked highest in Hawaii, New Hampshire, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #61 | 11 |
| New Hampshire | #189 | 7 |
| California | #202 | 166 |
| Washington | #233 | 31 |
| Idaho | #265 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kira is usually pronounced KEER-uh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with K and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Kira
A few middle names that flow with Kira: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kira
Similar names
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LAHR-uh
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lee-AN-druh
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Alexandra Girl
al-ig-ZAN-druh
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Sara Girl
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Keira Girl
KEER-uh
“little dark one (from Ciara)” · Irish
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Lists that include Kira
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kira mean?
Kira is a Russian and Greek name that is usually said to mean “lady; feminine of Kyros”.
What is the origin of the name Kira?
Kira has Russian and Greek roots. Kira has several independent sources.
Is Kira a popular name?
Yes. Kira ranked #385 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kira a boy or girl name?
Kira is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kira?
Kira is usually pronounced KEER-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings