"luminous, radiant"
Meira
The Hebrew feminine for radiant, illuminating light
Meaning & Origin
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
Famous People Named Meira
Meira Ben-David
Military
1965
Israeli Air Force pilot, one of the first women to fly combat aircraft in the Israeli military
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
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Meira
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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.