Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Nyra
GirlAmerican (modern coinage)· “modern name of uncertain origin”
- Meaning
- modern name of uncertain origin (origin disputed)
- Origin
- American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- NY-ruh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,465
- US babies 2025
- 147
- Best rank
- #851 (2021)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Nyra
Nyra is often said to mean “modern name of uncertain origin”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) roots.
The origin of Nyra, a modern name, is uncertain. It may be a variant of Nyla or Naira, or it may draw on names such as Nira from Hebrew, which is linked to a word for plowed field, though that connection is not established. Some families also associate it with Sanskrit or other traditions. Because the source is unclear, the name's meaning is best treated as open. Nyra is usually pronounced NY-ruh or NEER-uh. It is short and gentle, with a sleek, modern feel.
Popularity over time
Nyra first appears in US Social Security records in 1914. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 3 different years, starting in 2021. Its best national rank was #851 in 2021, the same year it reached its highest count of 324 babies. In 2025, 147 babies were named Nyra, and it ranked #1,465 nationally. That is 374% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #3,870 in 1950, #9,001 in 2000, #13,156 in 2010, and #1,465 in 2025. Of the 2,413 US girls named Nyra since records began, 60% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 569 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Avayah, Denisse, Khalani, Luisa, and Malayah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Nyra ranked highest in Massachusetts, Virginia, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #669 | 8 |
| Virginia | #824 | 9 |
| New Jersey | #829 | 9 |
| Washington | #881 | 7 |
| California | #1345 | 18 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Nyra is usually pronounced NY-ruh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with N and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Nyra
A few middle names that flow with Nyra: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Nyra
Similar names
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Meera Girl
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uh-MEER-uh
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ih-NAHR-uh
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Yusra Girl
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Lists that include Nyra
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nyra mean?
Nyra is often said to mean “modern name of uncertain origin”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) roots.
What is the origin of the name Nyra?
Nyra has modern American roots. The origin of Nyra, a modern name, is uncertain.
Is Nyra a popular name?
Not especially. Nyra ranked #1,465 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Nyra a boy or girl name?
Nyra is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Nyra?
Nyra is usually pronounced NY-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