"thunder goddess, feminine form of Tyr"
Origin: Old Norse
Language: Scandinavian
Tyra
Pronunciation: [ t-EYER-uh ]
Girl Name
#4,316 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A Viking queen's name with fierce modern energy
Scandinavian
American
English
Strong
Bold
Vintage
Unique
Modern
Meaning & Origin
"Odin's warrior"
Origin: Old Norse
Language: Norse
Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with supermodel and TV personality Tyra Banks (born 1973), which may overshadow the name
The Story of Tyra
Tyra is a Scandinavian feminine name derived from Tyr, the Old Norse god of law, justice, and heroic glory—one of the principal deities in the Norse pantheon. The name Thyra (historically spelled) was borne by several Danish queens, most famously Thyra Danebod, the 10th-century queen who helped consolidate Denmark's borders. The modern spelling Tyra gained currency in the 20th century.
Tyra peaked in the United States in the late 1990s and early 2000s, largely driven by the enormous cultural influence of Tyra Banks—supermodel, TV host of America's Next Top Model, and creator of The Tyra Banks Show. The name's use has gradually declined as the celebrity association fades.
In Scandinavia, the name evokes Viking-era queens and the warrior god Tyr, giving it a powerful historical gravitas. In contemporary American culture, it's almost entirely associated with Tyra Banks, making it feel modern and pop-culture savvy.
Fun Facts
- Thyra Danebod (c. 935 AD) was a Danish queen celebrated as a national hero
- Tyra Banks was the first Black woman on the cover of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue (1997)
- Tyr, the root of the name, gives us the word Tuesday (Tyr's day)
Tyra in Other Languages
Danish
Thyra
German
Tyra
Swedish
Tyra
Norwegian
Tyra
Old Norse
Þýra (Thyra)
Famous People Named Tyra
T
Tyra Banks
Entertainer
1973
American supermodel, TV personality, creator of America's Next Top Model, and businesswoman
T
Thyra Danebod
Royalty
900
10th-century Danish queen and national heroine credited with building Denmark's southern border defenses
T
Tyra Collette Fictional
Other
Beloved character from the TV drama Friday Night Lights, played by Adrianne Palicki
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,316
- Total SSA Count
- 33
- Cultural Origins
- Scandinavian American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Ty
Pairs Well With
Tyra Marie
Tyra Nicole
Tyra Renee
Tyra Jade
Tyra Faith
Tyra Simone
Tyra Ann
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Tyra is also used as a boy name, ranked #20454.
View Tyra as a boy name →Similar Names
Same Origin Names (Scandinavian)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tyra
What does the name Tyra mean?
"thunder goddess, feminine form of Tyr" (from Old Norse). "Odin's warrior" (from Old Norse). Tyra is a Scandinavian feminine name derived from Tyr, the Old Norse god of law, justice, and heroic glory—one of the principal deities in the Norse pantheon. The name Thyra (historically spelled) was borne by several Danish queens, most famously Thyra Danebod, the 10th-century queen who helped consolidate Denmark's borders. The modern spelling Tyra gained currency in the 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Tyra?
Tyra has Old Norse, Scandinavian, American, and English origins. In Old Norse, it means "thunder goddess, feminine form of Tyr". In Old Norse, it means "Odin's warrior".
Is Tyra a boy or girl name?
Tyra is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #4316. As a boy name, it is ranked #20454. Tyra is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Tyra?
Tyra is pronounced t-EYER-uh.
How popular is the name Tyra?
Tyra is currently ranked #4316 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Tyra?
Common nicknames for Tyra include Ty.
What are good middle names for Tyra?
Popular middle name pairings include Tyra Marie, Tyra Nicole, Tyra Renee, Tyra Jade, Tyra Faith, Tyra Simone, and Tyra Ann.
What are good sibling names for Tyra?
Names that pair well with Tyra as siblings include Freya, Sigrid, Bjorn, Sven, Ingrid, Leif, and Zara.
How many syllables does Tyra have?
Tyra has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Tyra a common or rare name?
Tyra is an uncommon name, ranked #4316 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Tyra
Tyra is a girl name with Scandinavian, American, and English origins . The name means "thunder goddess, feminine form of Tyr" in Old Norse .
Is Tyra a boy or girl name? Tyra is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #4,316 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #20,454. Tyra is more commonly used as a girl name.
Tyra is currently ranked #4,316 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Tyra has 2 syllables and is pronounced t-EYER-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Tyra include Ty. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.