Kyra

Pronunciation: [ k-EYER-uh ]

Girl Name #722 Most Popular Steady 2 Syllables

Sun-bright and sovereign — a name of ancient power

English Irish Persian American

Modern Strong Elegant Bold Minimalist

Meaning & Origin

"lord, master"

Origin: Greek kyrios

Language: Greek

"sun, throne"

Origin: Persian Cyrus

Language: Persian

"dark one (variant)"

Origin: Irish Ciara

Language: Irish

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.

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

Famous People Named Kyra

Kyra Sedgwick

Actor

1965

American actress who won a Golden Globe for her role as Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson in The Closer

Kira Nerys Fictional

Other

Fictional Bajoran officer in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, a fierce resistance fighter turned Starfleet colonel

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

Kyrie #2274 Kyrah #2991

Common Nicknames

Pairs Well With

Kyra Anne Kyra Marie Kyra Nicole Kyra Jade Kyra Lynn Kyra Grace Kyra Simone

Sibling Names

Zara Lyra Declan Finn Nora Seren Caden

Also a Boy Name

Kyra is also used as a boy name, ranked #19254.

View Kyra as a boy name →

Similar Names

Myra Ira Era Mira Kara Akira Nyra Lyric

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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 common nicknames for Kyra?

Common nicknames for Kyra include Ky.

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.

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.