"lyre, musical instrument"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Lyra
Pronunciation: [ l-EYER-uh ]
Girl Name
#481 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
A starry musical name beloved by His Dark Materials fans
English
European
Literary
Literary
Whimsical
Elegant
Musical
Vintage
Meaning & Origin
"constellation in the northern sky"
Origin: Latin
Language: Astronomical
The Story of Lyra
Lyra derives from the Greek 'lyra,' meaning the lyre, the ancient stringed musical instrument associated with Apollo and Orpheus. In astronomy, Lyra is a constellation in the northern sky featuring Vega, one of the brightest stars visible from Earth. The name gained enormous literary momentum from Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy (1995-2000), where Lyra Belacqua is a fierce, clever protagonist who travels across parallel worlds to save all of humanity.
Lyra has seen rapid growth in the 2010s-2020s, driven by the enduring popularity of His Dark Materials (now an acclaimed BBC/HBO TV series) and the broader trend toward celestial and astronomical names. Parents who loved the books as children are now naming their daughters after the protagonist.
In Greek mythology, the lyre was Orpheus's instrument, capable of charming wild animals, moving stones, and calming the very rivers. Apollo carried one. The lyre was the most revered instrument of ancient Greece, making Lyra a name that vibrates with musical and mythological significance across 3,000 years of Western culture.
Fun Facts
- Lyra is a constellation in the northern sky featuring Vega, which will become the North Star in about 12,000 years
- Lyra Belacqua, the protagonist of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials, is one of the most beloved heroines in modern fantasy literature
- The lyre was the instrument of Orpheus, whose music was said to charm even the stones and trees of the underworld
Lyra in Other Languages
Greek
Λύρα
Latin
Lyra
French
Lyre
Italian
Lira
Spanish
Lira
Famous People Named Lyra
L
Lyra McKee
Writer
1990
Northern Irish journalist and author killed in 2019 while covering unrest in Derry, Northern Ireland
L
Lyra Belacqua Fictional
Other
Protagonist of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, a brave girl who travels between parallel worlds to save hum...
Protagonist of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, a brave girl who travels between parallel worlds to save humanity
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #481
- Total SSA Count
- 638
- Cultural Origins
- English European Literary
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ly
Lyrie
Pairs Well With
Lyra Rose
Lyra Belle
Lyra Evangeline
Lyra June
Lyra Skye
Lyra Celeste
Lyra Wren
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lyra
What does the name Lyra mean?
"lyre, musical instrument" (from Greek). "constellation in the northern sky" (from Latin). Lyra derives from the Greek 'lyra,' meaning the lyre, the ancient stringed musical instrument associated with Apollo and Orpheus. In astronomy, Lyra is a constellation in the northern sky featuring Vega, one of the brightest stars visible from Earth. The name gained enormous literary momentum from Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy (1995-2000), where Lyra Belacqua is a fierce, clever protagonist who travels across parallel worlds to save all of humanity.
What is the origin of the name Lyra?
Lyra has Greek, Latin, English, European, and Literary origins. In Greek, it means "lyre, musical instrument". In Latin, it means "constellation in the northern sky".
Is Lyra a boy or girl name?
Lyra is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Lyra?
Lyra is pronounced l-EYER-uh.
How popular is the name Lyra?
Lyra is currently ranked #481 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Lyra?
Common nicknames for Lyra include Ly and Lyrie.
What are good middle names for Lyra?
Popular middle name pairings include Lyra Rose, Lyra Belle, Lyra Evangeline, Lyra June, Lyra Skye, Lyra Celeste, and Lyra Wren.
What are good sibling names for Lyra?
Names that pair well with Lyra as siblings include Atlas, Orion, Caspian, Vesper, Sable, Phineas, and Zephyr.
How many syllables does Lyra have?
Lyra has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lyra a common or rare name?
Lyra is a popular name, ranked #481 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Lyra
Lyra is a girl name with English, European, and Literary origins . The name means "lyre, musical instrument" in Greek .
Lyra is currently ranked #481 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Lyra has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-EYER-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Lyra include Ly and Lyrie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Lyra include Lyric, Lyriq, Lyrik, Lyrica . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.