"sunlight, beam of light"
Origin: Persian
Language: English
Kira
Pronunciation: [ k-IHR-ah ]
Girl Name
#455 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
A luminous name connecting cultures across the world
Persian
Irish
Russian
American
Japanese
Elegant
Strong
Unique
Spiritual
Modern
Meaning & Origin
"dark one"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
"sparkle, glitter"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
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.
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
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
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
Pairs Well With
Kira Grace
Kira Lynn
Kira Rose
Kira Marie
Kira Nicole
Kira Jane
Kira Elise
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Kira is also used as a boy name, ranked #40544.
View Kira as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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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.
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.