Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Myra
GirlEnglish
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- MY-ruh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #663
- US babies 2025
- 429
- Best rank
- #158 (1880)
- Peak year
- 1958
Meaning and origin of Myra
Myra is usually linked to English roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
Myra was used by the Elizabethan poet Fulke Greville in his love poems, and it is often thought he invented it. Its source is uncertain. It may be an anagram of Mary, or it may be connected with the Latin myrrha, "myrrh," or with the ancient city of Myra in Asia Minor, where Saint Nicholas was bishop. None of these explanations is proven. Myra was used steadily in the English-speaking world through the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Today it has a gentle, vintage charm, similar to Mira, Maya and Nora.
Popularity over time
Myra has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 141 different years. Its best national rank was #158 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 1958, when 1,288 were named Myra. In 2025, 429 babies were named Myra, and it ranked #663 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #289 in 1920, #236 in 1950, #524 in 1980, #935 in 2000, #966 in 2010, and #663 in 2025. Of the 63,916 US girls named Myra since records began, 16% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 8,868 babies. Since 2010, 7,565 more have been named Myra.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Mona, Therese, Betsy, Cathleen, and Jeannie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Myra ranked highest in Montana, Indiana, and Massachusetts.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | #241 | 5 |
| Indiana | #343 | 21 |
| Massachusetts | #347 | 17 |
| West Virginia | #354 | 5 |
| Idaho | #393 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Myra is usually pronounced MY-ruh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with M and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Myra
A few middle names that flow with Myra: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Myra
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Lists that include Myra
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Myra mean?
Myra is usually linked to English roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Myra?
Myra has English roots. Myra was used by the Elizabethan poet Fulke Greville in his love poems, and it is often thought he invented it.
Is Myra a popular name?
Yes. Myra ranked #663 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Myra a boy or girl name?
Myra is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Myra?
Myra 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