"sunlight, beam of light"
Origin: Persian
Language: English
Kira
Pronunciation: [ k-IHR-ah ]
Does Kira flow with your last name?
A luminous name connecting cultures across the world
Persian
Irish
Russian
American
Japanese
Elegant
Strong
Unique
Spiritual
Modern
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Names Like Kira
Same sound, same style — different options
Meaning & Origin
"dark one"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
"sparkle, glitter"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with the Death Note anime character Kira (the vigilante persona of Light Yagami)
The Story of Kira
Kira has multiple independent origins. In Persian, it likely derives from Cyrus (Kurus), meaning sun or throne, related to the Achaemenid dynasty that produced Cyrus the Great. In Irish, it is a variant of Ciara meaning dark one. In Japanese, Kira means glitter or sparkle. In Russian, it is a short form of Kiril or related to the Greek Kyrios meaning lord. This multilingual richness makes it a uniquely versatile name.
Kira gained US popularity in the 1980s-1990s and has maintained a steady presence. Its appearance in the anime Death Note (2003) as the name used for the mysterious vigilante protagonist added cultural texture for younger generations.
The name connects Persian imperial history, Irish Gaelic tradition, Russian Orthodoxy, and Japanese pop culture simultaneously. Kira Argon Yamato is a beloved character in the Gundam anime franchise, and Kira Nerys is a prominent character in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Historical Record
Kira first appeared in US Social Security records in 1952.
Over 40,008 babies have been named Kira in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kira is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #455 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Kira is a top-20 girls name in Russia and several Eastern European countries
- The name connects to Cyrus the Great, who founded the Achaemenid Persian Empire in 550 BC
Kira in Other Languages
Irish
Ciara
Persian
Kira
Russian
Kira
Japanese
Kira
Popularity Over Time
#455
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kira
K
Kira Kosarin
Actor
1997
American actress and singer known for The Thundermans on Nickelodeon
K
Kira Nerys Fictional
Other
Major in the Bajoran Militia and first officer aboard Deep Space Nine in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #455
- Total SSA Count
- 684
- Cultural Origins
- Persian Irish Russian American Japanese
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American 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
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kira
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Kira is also used as a boy name, ranked #40544.
View Kira as a boy name →Similar Names
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Compare Kira with...
Same Origin Names (Persian)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kira
What does the name Kira mean?
"sunlight, beam of light" (from Persian). "dark one" (from Irish Gaelic). "sparkle, glitter" (from Japanese). Kira has multiple independent origins. In Persian, it likely derives from Cyrus (Kurus), meaning sun or throne, related to the Achaemenid dynasty that produced Cyrus the Great. In Irish, it is a variant of Ciara meaning dark one. In Japanese, Kira means glitter or sparkle. In Russian, it is a short form of Kiril or related to the Greek Kyrios meaning lord. This multilingual richness makes it a uniquely versatile name.
What is the origin of the name Kira?
Kira has Persian, Irish Gaelic, Japanese, Irish, Russian, and American origins. In Persian, it means "sunlight, beam of light". In Irish Gaelic, it means "dark one". In Japanese, it means "sparkle, glitter".
Is Kira a boy or girl name?
Kira is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #455. As a boy name, it is ranked #40544. Kira is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Kira?
Kira is pronounced k-IHR-ah.
How popular is the name Kira?
Kira is currently ranked #455 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Kira?
Popular middle name pairings include Kira Grace, Kira Lynn, Kira Rose, Kira Marie, Kira Nicole, Kira Jane, and Kira Elise.
What are good sibling names for Kira?
Names that pair well with Kira as siblings include Zara, Nadia, Lena, Ivan, Leo, Milo, and Iris.
How many syllables does Kira have?
Kira has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kira a common or rare name?
Kira is a popular name, ranked #455 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
What girl names are similar to Kira?
About the Name Kira
Kira is a girl name with Persian, Irish, Russian, American, and Japanese origins . The name means "sunlight, beam of light" in Persian .
Is Kira a boy or girl name? Kira is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #455 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #40,544. Kira is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kira is currently ranked #455 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kira has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-IHR-ah, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Kira include Kirby, Kirsten, Kirra . 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