Mirah

Origin & Etymology

Mirah is a variant of Myra or Mira, with possible roots in multiple traditions. In Hebrew, it may relate to Miriam (sea of bitterness or beloved) or the root yara (to flow). In Sanskrit, Mira means sea or ocean, and is also the name of the beloved 16th-century poet-saint Mirabai. The -h ending gives it a softer, more intimate quality than Mira.

Popularity Story

Mirah is an uncommon variant that appeals to parents who love the sound of Mira but want a more distinctive spelling. The American indie folk musician Mirah Yom Tov Zeitlyn, who performs simply as Mirah, brought the spelling into independent music circles.

Cultural Significance

In Indian culture, Mira (and by extension Mirah) is associated with the saint-poet Mirabai, a 16th-century Rajput princess who devoted her life to the deity Krishna and whose devotional songs (bhajans) remain sung throughout India. In Hebrew culture, the name connects to the ancient tradition of Miriam.

Fun Facts

• Mirabai, the 16th-century saint whose name inspired Mirah, composed over 1,300 devotional songs to Krishna
• Mirah is also a star name: Mira is one of the brightest variable stars in the sky
• The name appears in both the Jewish and Hindu naming traditions, making it truly cross-cultural

Mirah in Other Languages