Myra

Pronunciation: [ m-EYER-uh ]

Girl Name #645 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

A poetic Victorian invention with fragrant, timeless appeal

English American

Vintage Elegant Gentle Minimalist Classic

Meaning & Origin

"myrrh, fragrant resin"

Origin: Greek/Latin (myrrha)

Language: English

"wonderful, admirable"

Origin: Latin (mirus)

Language: English

Things to Know About This Name

Myra Hindley was a notorious British child murderer convicted in 1966—parents in the UK should be aware of this association

The Story of Myra

Myra appears to have been invented or popularized by the 16th-century English poet Fulke Greville, 1st Baron Brooke, who used it as a poetic name in his sonnets (likely derived from Myrrha, the figure from Greek/Roman mythology, or from the Latin/Greek 'myrrha' meaning the fragrant resin). Others suggest it may be a variant of Mira (from the Latin 'mirus', wonderful, or the Slavic 'mir', peace). Whatever its origin, Myra became a genuine given name in the English-speaking world by the 19th century.

Myra was a moderately popular name in the US through the 19th and early 20th centuries. It faded significantly in Britain after 1966 due to its association with Myra Hindley (the Moors Murderer), but in the United States it has no such stigma and is experiencing a gentle revival as part of the vintage name trend.

Myra Hess (1890-1965), the British pianist who organized free lunchtime concerts at London's National Gallery throughout World War II, gave the name a heroic, culturally enriching association. In the US, the name is simply vintage and sweet, free of negative connotations.

Fun Facts

Myra may have been invented by 16th-century English poet Fulke Greville as a poetic name
Dame Myra Hess organized 1,700 free lunchtime concerts at London's National Gallery during WWII
Myrrh, the fragrant resin, was one of the three gifts brought to the infant Jesus in the Nativity story

Myra in Other Languages

Greek Myrrha

French Myra

Italian Myra

Spanish Myra

Famous People Named Myra

Myra Gale Brown

Other

1944

Cousin and third wife of Jerry Lee Lewis, whose controversial marriage at age 13 caused a major scandal in 1958

Myra Hess

Musician

1890

British pianist famous for organizing free wartime concerts at London's National Gallery during WWII

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #645
Total SSA Count: 453
Cultural Origins: English American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Alternative Spellings

Myrah #3581 Myracle #3744 Myriam #4815

Common Nicknames

Pairs Well With

Myra Jane Myra Rose Myra Claire Myra Kate Myra Louise Myra Ann

Sibling Names

Iris Walter June Felix Agnes Edmund

Also a Boy Name

Myra is also used as a boy name, ranked #14088.

View Myra as a boy name →

Similar Names

Ira Era Mila Nyra Kyra Lyric Kira Sierra

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Frequently Asked Questions About Myra

What does the name Myra mean?

"myrrh, fragrant resin" (from Greek/Latin (myrrha)). "wonderful, admirable" (from Latin (mirus)). Myra appears to have been invented or popularized by the 16th-century English poet Fulke Greville, 1st Baron Brooke, who used it as a poetic name in his sonnets (likely derived from Myrrha, the figure from Greek/Roman mythology, or from the Latin/Greek 'myrrha' meaning the fragrant resin). Others suggest it may be a variant of Mira (from the Latin 'mirus', wonderful, or the Slavic 'mir', peace). Whatever its origin, Myra became a genuine given name in the English-speaking world by the 19th century.

What is the origin of the name Myra?

Myra has Greek/Latin (myrrha), Latin (mirus), English, and American origins. In Greek/Latin (myrrha), it means "myrrh, fragrant resin". In Latin (mirus), it means "wonderful, admirable".

Is Myra a boy or girl name?

Myra is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #645. As a boy name, it is ranked #14088. Myra is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Myra?

Myra is pronounced m-EYER-uh.

How popular is the name Myra?

Myra is currently ranked #645 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Myra?

Common nicknames for Myra include My.

What are good middle names for Myra?

Popular middle name pairings include Myra Jane, Myra Rose, Myra Claire, Myra Kate, Myra Louise, and Myra Ann.

What are good sibling names for Myra?

Names that pair well with Myra as siblings include Iris, Walter, June, Felix, Agnes, and Edmund.

How many syllables does Myra have?

Myra has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Myra a common or rare name?

Myra is moderately common, ranked #645 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Myra

Myra is a girl name with English and American origins . The name means "myrrh, fragrant resin" in Greek/Latin (myrrha) .

Is Myra a boy or girl name? Myra is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #645 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #14,088. Myra is more commonly used as a girl name.

Myra is currently ranked #645 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Myra has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-EYER-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

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

Alternative spellings of Myra include Myrah, Myracle, Myriam . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.