Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Maira
Girl· “uncertain, possibly variant of Moira”
- Meaning
- uncertain, possibly variant of Moira (origin disputed)
- Pronunciation
- MY-ruh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,765
- US babies 2025
- 62
- Best rank
- #732 (1992)
- Peak year
- 1992
Meaning and origin of Maira
Maira is often said to mean “uncertain, possibly variant of Moira”; the origin is uncertain.
Maira is found in several languages, which makes its meaning uncertain. It may be a variant of Moira, the Irish form of Mary, or of Maria itself. In Greek mythology, Maira is the name of a dog belonging to Icarius and also of a nymph, and the name appears in Kazakh and Urdu usage with other meanings. It is also a form used in Brazil and Portugal. In the United States it is often said MY-ruh, though MAIR-uh and MAY-ruh are also heard. The variety of possible roots means families often choose Maira for its simple, melodic sound rather than one fixed meaning.
Popularity over time
Maira first appears in US Social Security records in 1944. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 13 different years, starting in 1983. Its best national rank was #732 in 1992, the same year it reached its highest count of 290 babies. In 2025, 62 babies were named Maira, and it ranked #2,765 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,008 in 1980, #1,615 in 2000, #2,194 in 2010, and #2,765 in 2025. Of the 6,341 US girls named Maira since records began, 34% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 1,638 babies. Since 2010, 1,020 more have been named Maira.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Anjelica, Ieshia, Shanequa, Tyesha, and Tiera.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Maira ranked highest in New York, Florida, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New York | #1128 | 13 |
| Florida | #2368 | 5 |
| Texas | #2551 | 8 |
| California | #2975 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Maira is usually pronounced MY-ruh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with M and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Maira
A few middle names that flow with Maira: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Maira
Similar names
Kirra Girl
KEER-uh
“uncertain; Australian place name”
#4,501
Aira Girl
EYE-ruh
#1,082
Nara Girl
NAH-ruh
“uncertain; also a Japanese city”
#2,476
Kara Girl
KEHR-uh
“dear, beloved” · Latin
#1,075
Kiera Girl
KEER-uh
“dark” · Irish
#1,097
Ciara Girl
see-EHR-uh
“dark” · Irish
#1,408
Cara Girl
KAHR-uh
“friend; dear” · Irish
#1,326
Mayra Girl
MY-ruh
Spanish
#2,168
Yadira Girl
yah-DEER-uh
#3,900
Cierra Girl
see-AIR-uh
“mountain range; variant of Sierra” · American (modern coinage)
#2,727
Dara Girl
DAR-uh
“several origins; oak (Irish)” · Irish
#1,129
Kaira Girl
KY-ruh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
#1,424
Lists that include Maira
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Maira mean?
Maira is often said to mean “uncertain, possibly variant of Moira”; the origin is uncertain.
Is Maira a popular name?
Not especially. Maira ranked #2,765 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Maira a boy or girl name?
Maira is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Maira?
Maira is usually pronounced MY-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