Myra
Myra Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
MEYE-ruh
Meaning of Myra: Myra presents an interesting naming puzzle: it may have been invented by English poet Fulke Greville (1554-1628), who used "Myra" in his sonnets as a poetic pseudonym - a common Renaissance practice of creating classical-sounding names for beloved subjects. However, "Myra" also connects to Latin "myrrha" (myrrh, the aromatic resin) and Greek "myron" (perfumed oil, ointment). According to Online Etymology Dictionary, myrrh was one of the ancient world's most prized aromatics, used in Egyptian embalming, Greek religious ceremonies, and as one of the three gifts of the Magi.
Whether invented or derived from the aromatic root, Myra entered the English literary tradition through Greville and later 17th-century pastoral poets, establishing itself as a poetic name before transitioning into actual naming use in the 18th and 19th centuries. Romantic-era parents drawn to classical and literary names adopted it as a genuine given name.
In American history, the name is connected to Myra Bradwell (1831-1894), the first woman admitted to the Illinois bar after a landmark Supreme Court case, giving Myra a specific tie to women's legal history that more decorative literary names lack.
What Does Myra Mean? Origin & Etymology
According to SSA records, Myra ranked #646 for girls in the most recent annual count, with 456 births. The name peaked in the early 20th century, declined through mid-century, and has been climbing since 2010 as part of the vintage revival of short musical feminine names.
Myra's soft sound, clear pronunciation, and vintage quality place it comfortably alongside Vera, Cora, and Nora in the current wave of three-and-four-letter classic revivals. Its ambiguous literary-versus-aromatic etymology adds depth rather than confusion, giving parents a name with genuine historical resonance.
How Popular Is Myra?
Numerology & Symbolism of Myra
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Myra – Similar Names & Alternatives
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity
Frequently Asked Questions about Myra
What does the name Myra mean?
The name Myra derives from Old English roots, reflecting the Anglo-Saxon naming tradition that predates the Norman Conquest. Names of this origin typically referenced personal qualities, natural features, or family lineage meaningful to early English-speaking communities.
How popular is the name Myra in the United States?
According to SSA records, Myra ranked #646 for girl names in the United States, with 453 births recorded in the most recent annual count. The name hit its highest SSA rank in 2024. It has held a consistent place in US naming statistics across multiple decades.
Where does the name Myra come from?
The name Myra comes from English. It entered English use through the linguistic and cultural channels typical of English-origin names—whether through religious texts, migration, or the prestige associated with classical learning. Today it is recognized as a girl’s name across the English-speaking world.