Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Lyric
UnisexEnglish, Greek· “of the lyre; song words”
- Meaning
- of the lyre; song words
- Origin
- English, Greek
- Pronunciation
- LEER-ihk
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #640
- US babies 2025
- 451
- Best rank
- #271 (2014)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Lyric
Lyric is an English and Greek name that is usually said to mean “of the lyre; song words”.
Lyric comes from the English word for the words of a song, and more broadly for poetry that expresses personal feeling. The word traces back through Latin to the Greek lyrikos, of the lyre, since ancient Greek lyric poems were sung to that instrument. As a given name Lyric is a modern choice, used for both girls and boys, and it belongs with other musical word names such as Harmony, Melody and Cadence. It has a creative, artistic feel and an easy two-syllable rhythm. The spelling Lyrik is sometimes seen as well.
Popularity over time
Lyric first appears in US Social Security records in 1945. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 31 different years, starting in 1995. Its best national rank was #271 in 2014, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,223 babies. In 2025, 451 babies were named Lyric, and it ranked #640 nationally. That is 60% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #5,752 in 1980, #800 in 2000, #397 in 2010, and #640 in 2025. Of the 20,875 US girls named Lyric since records began, 50% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 4,578 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Noel.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lyric ranked highest in District of Columbia, Delaware, and Missouri.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #136 | 6 |
| Delaware | #157 | 6 |
| Missouri | #342 | 18 |
| Mississippi | #372 | 8 |
| Oklahoma | #390 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Lyric is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 80% of US babies named Lyric were girls and 20% were boys.
Lyric is usually pronounced LEER-ihk, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with L and ends in “-ic”.
Middle names for Lyric
A few middle names that flow with Lyric: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lyric
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Lists that include Lyric
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lyric mean?
Lyric is an English and Greek name that is usually said to mean “of the lyre; song words”.
What is the origin of the name Lyric?
Lyric has English and Greek roots. Lyric comes from the English word for the words of a song, and more broadly for poetry that expresses personal feeling.
Is Lyric a popular name?
Yes. Lyric ranked #640 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Lyric a boy or girl name?
Lyric is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 80% of US babies named Lyric were girls and 20% were boys.
How do you pronounce Lyric?
Lyric is usually pronounced LEER-ihk. 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