Kira
KIH-rah
Kira carries two distinct origin streams. In Persian it derives from Kurus, the name of Cyrus the Great, possibly meaning “sun” or “throne.” In Irish it serves as a feminine form of Ciarán, meaning “dark” or “black.”
The name spread across Europe via Russian Kira, itself borrowed from Persian through early Christian saint traditions. Irish and English forms developed separately but converged on the same spelling in modern usage.
Kira peaked at No. 241 in 2005 with 1,391 births. In 2024 it stands at No. 455 with 684 births, down from its early-2000s high.
What the name Kira means
The name gained cultural traction through the character Kira Nerys in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999), and later through Kira Kosarin on The Thundermans (2013-2020).
Two syllables — KEER-ah — with a crisp open and liquid close. The double vowel ending gives it a soft, melodic quality that works well across languages.
Kira appeals to parents who want a name with ancient roots that remains accessible and easy to spell in English-speaking contexts.
Variants include Kyra, the more common anglicised form, and Keira, the Irish spelling. In Russian the name is written Кира and remains a classic first name.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Kira
Kira - similar names
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