"lord, master"
Origin: Greek kyrios
Language: Greek
Kyra
Pronunciation: [ k-EYER-uh ]
Does Kyra flow with your last name?
Sun-bright and sovereign — a name of ancient power
English
Irish
Persian
American
Modern
Strong
Elegant
Bold
Minimalist
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"sun, throne"
Origin: Persian Cyrus
Language: Persian
"dark one (variant)"
Origin: Irish Ciara
Language: Irish
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The Story of Kyra
Kyra has two distinct etymological paths. From Greek, it derives from kyrios meaning lord or master — the same root as the liturgical prayer Kyrie Eleison (Lord, have mercy). From Persian, it connects to Kira or Cyra, the feminine form of Cyrus, meaning sun or throne. Both paths lead to a name imbued with authority and radiance.
Kyra gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 1980s-1990s as an alternative to the more common Kira. The actress Kyra Sedgwick helped maintain the names profile throughout the 2000s through her starring role in The Closer (2005-2012).
The Greek root kyrios makes this name deeply connected to Christian liturgical tradition, while the Persian connection to Cyrus the Great — one of historys most celebrated rulers — gives it ancient imperial grandeur. In Irish, its sometimes considered a variant of Ciara (dark one), adding Celtic depth.
Historical Record
Kyra first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 37,833 babies have been named Kyra in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kyra is past its peak , currently ranked #722 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The prayer Kyrie Eleison (Lord have mercy) shares its root with Kyra, making it one of the most liturgically connected secular names
- Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, is the masculine namesake
- Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon are one of Hollywoods longest-lasting couples, keeping the name in public view since the 1990s
Kyra in Other Languages
Greek
Κύρα
Irish
Ciara
Persian
کیرا
Russian
Кира (Kira)
Spanish
Kyra
Popularity Over Time
#722
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2005
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kyra
K
Kyra Sedgwick
Actor
1965
American actress who won a Golden Globe for her role as Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson in The Closer
K
Kira Nerys Fictional
Other
Fictional Bajoran officer in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, a fierce resistance fighter turned Starfleet colonel
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #722
- Total SSA Count
- 389
- Cultural Origins
- English Irish Persian American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ky
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kyra
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Kyra is also used as a boy name, ranked #19254.
View Kyra as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kyra
What does the name Kyra mean?
"lord, master" (from Greek kyrios). "sun, throne" (from Persian Cyrus). "dark one (variant)" (from Irish Ciara). Kyra has two distinct etymological paths. From Greek, it derives from kyrios meaning lord or master — the same root as the liturgical prayer Kyrie Eleison (Lord, have mercy). From Persian, it connects to Kira or Cyra, the feminine form of Cyrus, meaning sun or throne. Both paths lead to a name imbued with authority and radiance.
What is the origin of the name Kyra?
Kyra has Greek kyrios, Persian Cyrus, Irish Ciara, English, Irish, Persian, and American origins. In Greek kyrios, it means "lord, master". In Persian Cyrus, it means "sun, throne". In Irish Ciara, it means "dark one (variant)".
Is Kyra a boy or girl name?
Kyra is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #722. As a boy name, it is ranked #19254. Kyra is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Kyra?
Kyra is pronounced k-EYER-uh.
How popular is the name Kyra?
Kyra is currently ranked #722 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Kyra?
Popular middle name pairings include Kyra Anne, Kyra Marie, Kyra Nicole, Kyra Jade, Kyra Lynn, Kyra Grace, and Kyra Simone.
What are good sibling names for Kyra?
Names that pair well with Kyra as siblings include Zara, Lyra, Declan, Finn, Nora, Seren, and Caden.
How many syllables does Kyra have?
Kyra has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kyra a common or rare name?
Kyra is moderately common, ranked #722 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Kyra?
About the Name Kyra
Kyra is a girl name with English, Irish, Persian, and American origins . The name means "lord, master" in Greek kyrios .
Is Kyra a boy or girl name? Kyra is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #722 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #19,254. Kyra is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kyra is currently ranked #722 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kyra has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-EYER-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kyra include Ky. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kyra include Kyrie, Kyrah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis