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Meira

Girl Name #2,666 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

The Hebrew feminine for radiant, illuminating light

Jewish Israeli Hebrew
Spiritual Elegant Classic Unique Minimalist

Meaning & Origin

"luminous, radiant"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew

The Story of Meira

Meira is the feminine form of the Hebrew name Meir, from the root "aur" (אור) meaning "light." Meir means "one who illuminates" — literally one who brings light. The name has been used in Jewish communities for centuries and is closely associated with the revered Talmudic sage Rabbi Meir (2nd century AD), one of the most important figures in the Mishnah.

Meira has grown in popularity among modern Jewish families, particularly those who want a clearly Hebrew name with a beautiful meaning. It connects to the beloved Rabbi Meir while being a fresh, feminine option not as common as Miriam or Leah.

Rabbi Meir was one of the greatest scholars of the Mishnah, known for his brilliance and wit. The name carries the significance of Torah scholarship and intellectual illumination. In Israeli Hebrew, aur (light) is a foundational concept.

Fun Facts

  • Rabbi Meir (whose name shares this root) is considered one of the Five Greatest Sages of the Mishnah
  • The Hebrew word for light (aur/or) appears as the very first thing God creates in Genesis 1:3

Meira in Other Languages

Hebrew מֵאִירָה
Yiddish Meira
Israeli Hebrew מאירה

Famous People Named Meira

M

Meira Ben-David

Military

1965

Israeli Air Force pilot, one of the first women to fly combat aircraft in the Israeli military

R

Rabbi Meir

Religious

One of the most important Talmudic sages of the Mishnaic period (2nd century AD), brilliant scholar and teacher

Quick Facts

Gender
Girl
Syllables
2
Popularity Rank
#2,666
Total SSA Count
65
Cultural Origins
Jewish Israeli Hebrew
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease
Moderate

Common Nicknames

Mei

Pairs Well With

Meira Ruth Meira Leah Meira Shira Meira Tova Meira Grace Meira Devorah Meira Adina

Sibling Names

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Frequently Asked Questions About Meira

What does the name Meira mean?
"luminous, radiant" (from Hebrew). Meira is the feminine form of the Hebrew name Meir, from the root "aur" (אור) meaning "light." Meir means "one who illuminates" — literally one who brings light. The name has been used in Jewish communities for centuries and is closely associated with the revered Talmudic sage Rabbi Meir (2nd century AD), one of the most important figures in the Mishnah.
What is the origin of the name Meira?
Meira has Hebrew, Jewish, and Israeli origins. In Hebrew, it means "luminous, radiant".
Is Meira a boy or girl name?
Meira is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Meira?
Meira is currently ranked #2666 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Meira?
Common nicknames for Meira include Mei.
What are good middle names for Meira?
Popular middle name pairings include Meira Ruth, Meira Leah, Meira Shira, Meira Tova, Meira Grace, Meira Devorah, and Meira Adina.
What are good sibling names for Meira?
Names that pair well with Meira as siblings include Tova, Shira, Noa, Dalia, Eli, Ilan, Ora, and Yael.
How many syllables does Meira have?
Meira has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Meira a common or rare name?
Meira is an uncommon name, ranked #2666 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Meira

Meira is a girl name with Jewish, Israeli, and Hebrew origins . The name means "luminous, radiant" in Hebrew .

Meira is currently ranked #2,666 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Meira has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Meira include Mei. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

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