"sun, throne (Persian/Cyrus root)"
Syra
Does Syra flow with your last name?
A rare gem with Persian and Irish roots
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Similar Names
Names Like Syra
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Syra
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"princess, noble one (Sara variant)"
"from Syria, of Syrian origin"
Browse names with similar meanings:
Playground Safety
Similar to Syra
See all →What the Syra report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Syra the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
Add it to your shortlist. Not losing this one.
Put Syra head-to-head with your other picks.
Start comparing →See what Syra actually gets called.
Browse nicknames →The Story of Syra
Syra is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Cyra, the feminine form of Cyrus — a Persian name meaning sun or throne, borne by Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Syra also appears in Irish tradition as a saint's name. Additionally, it could be a variant spelling of Sara, or even connected to Syria (from Greek Syros). This multi-root heritage gives Syra an intriguing cross-cultural resonance.
Syra remains rare in modern naming records. The similar name Lyra surged in popularity after it became associated with Lyra Belacqua, the heroine of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy. Parents who love Lyra but want something slightly different sometimes gravitate toward Syra for its similar melodic quality.
In Irish hagiography, Saint Syra was a 7th-century abbess at Faremoutiers in France. In Persian naming tradition, the Cyra/Cyrus root carries imperial associations with one of antiquity's greatest rulers and liberators, who famously freed enslaved peoples and is honored in the Hebrew Bible.
Historical Record
Syra first appeared in US Social Security records in 1988.
Over 409 babies have been named Syra in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Syra is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #5,806 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The name Cyrus, from which Syra may derive, appears in the Bible — the only non-Jew the Hebrew Bible calls the Lord's anointed
- Saint Syra of Faremoutiers is venerated in both Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions
Syra in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Syra
Syra Shehroz
Actor
1988
Pakistani actress and model known for television dramas
Saint Syra of Faremoutiers
Religious
7th-century Irish abbess who became abbess at the monastery of Faremoutiers in France, venerated as a saint
Names You Might Also Love
See all →"heavenly, sky"
"fictional Targaryen name"
"lake or stream (suffix)"
"eagle"
"Christmas Day, birthday of Christ"
Compare Syra with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,806
- Total SSA Count
- 22
- Cultural Origins
- Persian Irish American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Syra
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Syra
Phonetic neighbors that share Syra's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
Sibling Match
Premium
Check how Syra fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Similar Names
See all names like Syra →For Parents
Start a baby registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
The Baby Name Wizard
Names that age well — book
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Compare Syra with...
Same Origin Names (Persian)
See all Persian names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Syra
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Syra and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Syra sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Names You Might Also Like
View all →Hawaiian-influenced American origin
"heavenly, sky"
#5,829 in US
George R.R. Martin invented origin
"fictional Targaryen name"
#5,834 in US
Welsh origin
"lake or stream (suffix)"
#5,994 in US
Old High German origin
"eagle"
#5,711 in US
Late Latin origin
"Christmas Day, birthday of Christ"
#5,799 in US
Latin origin
"monastery, convent"
#5,758 in US
Welsh origin
"lake, water (from Lynn)"
#5,947 in US
Irish/Greek via modern invention origin
"pure spirit, bright soul"
#5,719 in US
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Syra's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Syra
What does the name Syra mean?
What is the origin of the name Syra?
Is Syra a boy or girl name?
How popular is the name Syra?
What are common nicknames for Syra?
What are good middle names for Syra?
What are good sibling names for Syra?
How many syllables does Syra have?
Is Syra a common or rare name?
What girl names are similar to Syra?
Are there other spellings for Syra?
About the Name Syra
Syra is a girl name with Persian, Irish, American, and English origins . The name means "sun, throne (Persian/Cyrus root)" in Persian .
Syra is currently ranked #5,806 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Syra has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Syra include Sy and Rara. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Syra include Syriah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Recommended for Parents
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis