Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kyra
GirlGreek, Persian· “lady, or feminine of Cyrus”
- Meaning
- lady, or feminine of Cyrus (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Greek, Persian
- Pronunciation
- KEER-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #830
- US babies 2025
- 329
- Best rank
- #179 (2005)
- Peak year
- 2005
Meaning and origin of Kyra
Kyra is often said to mean “lady, or feminine of Cyrus”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek and Persian roots.
Kyra has more than one possible source, and the exact origin is uncertain. It may be a feminine form of Cyrus, the name of the Persian king Cyrus the Great, whose meaning is itself debated, or it may come from the Greek kyria, meaning lady. Some parents also see it as a variant of Kira, a Russian and Japanese name with its own meanings. Actress Kyra Sedgwick helped bring the spelling to wide attention in the United States. Pronunciations vary between KEER-uh and KY-ruh. Kyra is sleek, modern and easy to write.
Popularity over time
Kyra first appears in US Social Security records in 1919. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 49 different years, starting in 1969. Its best national rank was #179 in 2005, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,912 babies. In 2025, 329 babies were named Kyra, and it ranked #830 nationally. That is 50% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #4,147 in 1950, #1,146 in 1980, #202 in 2000, #347 in 2010, and #830 in 2025. Of the 38,285 US girls named Kyra since records began, 41% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 8,942 babies. Since 2010, 9,136 more have been named Kyra.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Nadia, Jasmin, Delaney, Julianna, and Kyla.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kyra ranked highest in New Mexico, Nevada, and Idaho.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #353 | 5 |
| Nevada | #401 | 7 |
| Idaho | #447 | 5 |
| South Carolina | #497 | 10 |
| Connecticut | #514 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kyra is usually pronounced KEER-uh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with K and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Kyra
A few middle names that flow with Kyra: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kyra
Similar names
Cora Girl
KAW-ruh
“maiden” · Greek
#113
Kira Girl
KEER-uh
“lady; feminine of Kyros” · Russian
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Kora Girl
KAWR-uh
“maiden” · Greek
#491
Zahra Girl
ZAH-ruh
“flower; radiant” · Arabic
#540
Lyra Girl
LY-ruh
“lyre” · Greek
#435
Aura Girl
OR-uh
“breeze” · Greek
#817
Lara Girl
LAHR-uh
“short for Larisa; uncertain” · Russian
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Leandra Girl
lee-AN-druh
“feminine of Leander, lion man” · Greek
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Alexandra Girl
al-ig-ZAN-druh
“defender of men” · Greek
#237
Sara Girl
SEH-ruh
“princess” · Hebrew
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Keira Girl
KEER-uh
“little dark one (from Ciara)” · Irish
#622
Kiara Girl
kee-AR-uh
“bright, clear; or dark” · Italian
#229
Lists that include Kyra
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kyra mean?
Kyra is often said to mean “lady, or feminine of Cyrus”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek and Persian roots.
What is the origin of the name Kyra?
Kyra has Greek and Persian roots. Kyra has more than one possible source, and the exact origin is uncertain.
Is Kyra a popular name?
Yes. Kyra ranked #830 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kyra a boy or girl name?
Kyra is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kyra?
Kyra 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