"thunder goddess, feminine form of Tyr"
Origin: Old Norse
Language: Scandinavian
Tyra
Pronunciation: [ t-EYER-uh ]
Does Tyra flow with your last name?
A Viking queen's name with fierce modern energy
Scandinavian
American
English
Strong
Bold
Vintage
Unique
Modern
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Share
Similar Names
Names Like Tyra
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Tyra
1 shorthand option for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"Odin's warrior"
Origin: Old Norse
Language: Norse
Browse names with similar meanings:
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Similar to Tyra
See all →What the Tyra report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Tyra the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Downloadable PDF + nursery art
Everything in one printable report. Frame the name art.
Start with a free preview
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
Keep Tyra
Add it to your shortlist. Not losing this one.
Compare names
Put Tyra head-to-head with your other picks.
Start comparing →
Nickname ideas
See what Tyra actually gets called.
Browse nicknames →
What kind of baby name person are you?
3 minutes to find names that fit your style.
Take the Quiz
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.
Historical Record
Tyra first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 14,419 babies have been named Tyra in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Tyra is past its peak , currently ranked #4,316 for girl names in the US .
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)
Popularity Over Time
#4,316
Current Rank
Peaked 1998
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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
Names You Might Also Love
See all →
Alanys
Girl
"rock, little rock"
#4,161
Adrielle
Girl
"dark, rich one of God"
#4,176
Janova
Girl
"daughter of Jana, of gracious spirit"
#4,488
Siani
Girl
"gift of God"
#4,460
Lyza
Girl
"God is my oath"
#4,215
Compare Tyra with:
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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
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, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
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, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Tyra
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
Premium
Check how Tyra fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Also a Boy Name
Tyra is also used as a boy name, ranked #20454.
View Tyra as a boy name →Similar Names
See all names like Tyra →For Parents
amz
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 Tyra with...
Same Origin Names (Scandinavian)
See all Scandinavian names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Tyra
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Tyra and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Tyra 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 →
Alanys
Girl
Celtic possible origin origin
"rock, little rock"
#4,161 in US
Adrielle
Girl
Latin Hadria + Hebrew el origin
"dark, rich one of God"
#4,176 in US
Janova
Girl
Slavic -ova suffix origin
"daughter of Jana, of gracious spirit"
#4,488 in US
Siani
Girl
Welsh form of Jane/Johanna origin
"gift of God"
#4,460 in US
Lyza
Girl
Hebrew origin
"God is my oath"
#4,215 in US
Zyaire
Girl
American origin
"modern invented name with Z-strength"
#4,468 in US
Miel
Girl
Latin mel origin
"sweetness, golden nectar"
#4,137 in US
Hilary
Girl
Latin origin
"cheerful, merry, joyful"
#4,118 in US
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Tyra's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
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 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.
Keep Exploring
Old Norse Names
Browse all names with this origin
T
Names Starting with T
More girl names like Tyra
Unique Names
Uncommon names with character
Name Personality Quiz
Find names that match your style
Name Swiper
Swipe through names, build a shortlist fast
Browse All Girl Names
Full list with filters and sorting
Recommended for Parents
amz
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