Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Lyra
GirlGreek, Latin· “lyre”
- Meaning
- lyre
- Origin
- Greek, Latin
- Pronunciation
- LY-ruh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #435
- US babies 2025
- 711
- Best rank
- #435 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Lyra
Lyra is a Greek and Latin name that means “lyre”.
Lyra is the Latin name of a constellation representing the lyre, the stringed instrument of ancient Greece. In Greek myth the lyre belonged to Orpheus, the legendary musician, and after his death it was placed among the stars. The constellation contains Vega, one of the brightest stars in the night sky. Many readers also know Lyra from Philip Pullman's fantasy series His Dark Materials, whose brave heroine carries the name. Lyra has a light, musical sound and a celestial meaning, and it is short enough to need no nickname.
Famous parents who chose Lyra: Ed Sheeran and Cherry Seaborn (2020). More celebrity baby names
Popularity over time
Lyra first appears in US Social Security records in 1893. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 11 different years, starting in 2015. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #435, and its highest count, 711 babies. Use has grown 158% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #3,936 in 1980, #5,845 in 2000, #1,124 in 2010, and #435 in 2025. Of the 8,095 US girls named Lyra since records began, 47% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 3,038 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Vienna, Katalina, Emmy, Marceline, and Calliope.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lyra ranked highest in Vermont, Massachusetts, and Oregon.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | #87 | 5 |
| Massachusetts | #194 | 29 |
| Oregon | #214 | 17 |
| Washington | #224 | 33 |
| Nevada | #252 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Lyra is usually pronounced LY-ruh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with L and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Lyra
A few middle names that flow with Lyra: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lyra
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Lists that include Lyra
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lyra mean?
Lyra is a Greek and Latin name that means “lyre”.
What is the origin of the name Lyra?
Lyra has Greek and Latin roots. Lyra is the Latin name of a constellation representing the lyre, the stringed instrument of ancient Greece.
Is Lyra a popular name?
Yes. Lyra ranked #435 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Lyra a boy or girl name?
Lyra is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Lyra?
Lyra is usually pronounced LY-ruh. 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