While it is widely recognized as a royal Arabic name meaning “princess,” it also serves as a linguistic bridge to Hebrew culture, where it carries earthy, agricultural connotations.
Verdict: Amira is an impeccable choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the “princess” vibe of names like Sarah or Sadie but with a more global, contemporary flair. It is familiar enough to be easily pronounced by everyone but distinct enough that she won’t be one of five Amiras in her kindergarten class.
Amira Overview
- Meaning: Amira means “princess” in Arabic, plus “high-born girl” or “noble lady.” In Hebrew, Amira means “treetop,” “proverb,” or “sheaf of corn.” Amira also means “rich” or “cultivated” in Swahili, in addition to “princess.”
- Gender: Amira is a girl’s name based on the Arabic male name, Amir.
- Origin: Amira relates to the Arabic “amir,” meaning “leader,” “commander,” and “chief.” Both come from the “a-m-r” root, meaning “to command.” Amira appears in the Quran and is a traditional Islamic name for girls.
- Pronunciation: Amira is pronounced “aa-MEE-Rah” in American English and Arabic, and “aa-MAEY-Raa” in British English.
- Popularity: Amira currently ranks in the top 115 U.S. girls’ names and has grown more popular since it entered the top 1,000 in 1998. It’s also a top 100 in many European countries today.
- Nicknames: Ama, Ami, Amy, Meera, Meerah, Mia, Mimi, Mira, Mirah, Ria, Riri.
- Variations: Ameara, Amearah, Ameera, Ameerah, Ameira, Ameirah, Amiera, Amierah, Amirah, Amyra, Amyrah, Emira.
- Namesakes: Amira Dotan, Israeli member of the Israeli Knesset. Amira Medunjanin, Bosnian singer of Sevdah music.
What Does Amira Mean?
The name Amira is most famous for its regal Arabic definition: “princess,” “high-born girl,” or “noble lady.” It implies a woman who commands respect and holds a position of authority.
However, the name is a linguistic shapeshifter with distinct meanings in other cultures:
- Hebrew: In Hebrew, the name has dual meanings depending on the context. It can refer to the “top of a tree” or a “sheaf of corn,” connecting the name to nature, harvest, and height. It is also related to the verb amar, meaning “to say,” translating Amira roughly to “speech,” “proverb,” or “declaration.”
- Swahili: The name denotes prosperity, meaning “rich,” “cultivated,” or “princess.”
This duality makes Amira a fascinating choice; it represents both the leadership of a palace and the grounded abundance of the harvest.
Where Does the Name Amira Come From?
Amira is primarily a name of Semitic origin. Its roots run deep in the Middle East and North Africa.
In Arabic, it is the feminine form of Amir (Prince/Commander). The root word a-m-r means “to command.” Historically, the title was used for military commanders and governors (Emirs) before evolving into a given name. As a traditional Islamic girl’s name, it carries centuries of usage within Muslim communities.
In Jewish tradition, Amira is often associated with the holiday of Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks) because of its agricultural meaning (“sheaf of corn”). It showcases how one name can serve as a bridge between two major cultures, sharing similar sounds but offering unique historical contexts.
How Popular is the Name Amira?
Amira is what we call a “modern staple.” It is not a flash-in-the-pan trend; rather, it has shown a slow, steady, and confident rise over the last three decades.
While it was virtually unheard of in the US before the 1970s, it entered the top 1,000 in 1998 and skyrocketed shortly after. Currently, Amira is hovering just outside the top 100 names in the United States. Its trajectory suggests it has the staying power of a classic. It benefits from the “liquid name” trend, names filled with vowels and soft consonants like L, M, and R, which are currently dominating the charts (think Alana, Alina, Amara).
Globally, it is a massive hit. You will find Amira in the Top 100 charts across the UK, Belgium, France, and Bosnia, proving its international appeal.
How Do I Pronounce Amira?
The most common pronunciation in the United States and in Arabic is aa-MEE-Rah. It rhymes with “Shakira.”
In some British English dialects, the vowels may shift slightly to sound like aa-MAEY-Raa (closer to Almira), but the “MEE” sound is the global standard.
Is Amira a Boy or Girl Name?
Amira is strictly a girl’s name. It contains the feminine suffix -a added to the masculine name Amir. If you love the sound but are expecting a boy, Amir is the direct masculine equivalent and is equally handsome and popular.
Variations of Amira
Because Amira is used across the Muslim world, Europe, and South Asia, it has developed several beautiful spellings.
- Ameera: (Arabic) A common phonetic spelling to ensure the long “E” sound.
- Amirah: (Arabic) The “h” at the end adds a traditional, softer finish.
- Emira: (Bosnian/Turkish) A variation often found in the Balkans.
- Amyra: (English/Indian) A modern stylized spelling.
- Ameira: (Hebrew) Often associated with the “speech” meaning.
Nicknames for Amira
Amira is short enough to be used in full, but it offers some delightful nickname options.
- Mira: The most intuitive and elegant nickname, meaning “peace” or “world” in Slavic languages.
- Mia: A sweet, modern option.
- Amy: A classic Anglicized nickname.
- Mimi: A playful, vintage-style nickname suitable for a little girl.
- Ara: A unique, celestial-sounding nickname for parents who want something less common.
- Ria: Spunky and energetic.
Names Similar to Amira
If you love the vibe of Amira, regal, feminine, and vowel-heavy, you might also appreciate these options:
- Amara: Very similar in sound, but with Latin (everlasting) and Igbo (grace) roots.
- Samira: Rhymes with Amira but adds an “S”; it means “companion in evening talk” in Arabic.
- Layla: Another Arabic classic that has become a global phenomenon.
- Soraya: A Persian name meaning “princess” or “Pleiades star cluster,” sharing that exotic, royal flair.
- Zara: Meaning “blooming flower” or “princess,” this name packs a punchy “Z” sound.
- Alina: Soft, international, and meaning “bright” or “beautiful.”
- Amina: A similar Arabic name meaning “trustworthy” or “faithful.”
- Elara: A slightly more celestial and rare option with a similar rhythm.
Middle Names for Amira
Finding the right middle name is about rhythm. Since Amira is three syllables and ends in an “Ah” sound, it pairs beautifully with shorter, grounding names or French-inspired classics.
Classic & Timeless Pairings
Modern & Punchy Pairings
Elegant & Lyrical Pairings
Sibling Names for Amira
Building a sibset around Amira requires names that are equally melodic and culturally versatile.
For a Brother
- Amir: The masculine counterpart (though arguably too close for siblings).
- Zain: A stylish Arabic name meaning “beauty” or “grace.”
- Omar: A strong, recognizable classic meaning “flourishing.”
- Elias: A Greek/Hebrew name that matches Amira’s soft vowel sounds.
- Caleb: A Hebrew name that feels grounded next to the flowing Amira.
- Kai: Short, multicultural, and modern.
For a Sister
- Nadia: Meaning “hope,” it shares Amira’s international appeal.
- Yasmin: The original Jasmine; fragrant and beautiful.
- Laila: Matches the feminine, “A” ending structure.
- Sofia: A widely popular Greek name that pairs well with Amira’s elegance.
- Elena: Combines the soft vowel sounds perfect for a sister set.
- Farrah: An Arabic name meaning “happiness” with a joyful vibe.
Famous People Named Amira
- Amira Willighagen: A Dutch soprano singer who gained worldwide fame as a child prodigy on “Holland’s Got Talent.”
- Amira Casar: A celebrated British-French actress and model, known for her diverse roles in European cinema.
- Amira Hass: An award-winning journalist and author known for her reporting on Palestinian affairs.
- Amira Rasheed: An American dance and R&B singer.
- Amira Ahmed: A Somali-Filipino fashion model.
Amira in Pop Culture
- Amira Masood: A well-known character in the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders.
- Amira: The title character in the 2021 critically acclaimed Jordanian film.
- “Amira”: The title of the debut album by young soprano Amira Willighagen.
FAQs About the Name Amira
Here are answers to the most common questions parents ask when considering this beautiful name.
What Does Amirah Mean in the Bible?
Amira is often mistaken for the Hebrew Amariah, which means “promised by God.” It was typically given to priests in ancient Jewish kingdoms. Amariah occurs multiple times in the Bible. One example includes a figure who is one of the descendants of Aaron by Eleazar in the Book of Chronicles.
What Does Amira Mean in Swahili?
In Swahili, Amira means ”princess,” “leader,” and “prosperous.” Like its Hebrew counterpart, Amira also refers to natural elements like a “treetop” or “sheaf of corn.” Swahili is a Bantu language spoken by those primarily in Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique. Royal names that translate to “princess” are among Swahili favorites for good luck.
Is Amira a Hindu Name?
Amira is sometimes considered a Hindu name, but it derives directly from the Arabic “amir,” meaning “prince.” It means “princess,” which is a traditional Muslim name for girls. Amira commonly occurs in South Asian countries like India, with a large Muslim population. Indian variations also include Ameera and Amyra, which are their preferred spellings.
Is Amira a Quranic Name?
Yes, Amira is considered an indirect Quranic name. While the exact name “Amira” (Princess) is not explicitly mentioned as a proper noun in the Quran, it is derived from the root word “A-m-r” (Command/Order), which appears frequently in the text. The term Ulul-Amr refers to those in authority. Therefore, it is a highly respected and traditional choice for Muslim families.
What Is the Difference Between Amira and Amara?
While they sound nearly identical, their origins are completely different. Amira is Arabic/Hebrew meaning “Princess” or “Treetop.” Amara has multiple roots: in Igbo (West Africa) it means “Grace,” in Sanskrit it means “Immortal,” and in Latin, it is related to “Everlasting.” Both are beautiful, vowel-rich names, but Amara generally feels more multicultural, while Amira has a stronger Middle Eastern identity.
Is Amira Related to the Name Elmira?
They sound similar but are likely distinct. Elmira is often considered a contraction of the name Edelmira (Germanic for “noble”) or a variation of Almera. However, because names travel and evolve, some etymologists believe Elmira could also be an Anglicized version of Al-Amira (The Princess) adapted by European speakers, though this link is less direct.
Can Amira Be Used as a Surname?
Yes, though it is rare. Amira appears as a surname in various cultures, particularly within Jewish communities (derived from the Hebrew meanings) and Arabic-speaking populations. However, it is overwhelmingly more popular as a first name.
What Are the Best Personality Traits Associated With Amira?
Because of its meaning “Princess” and “Commander,” the name Amira is often associated with leadership, confidence, and dignity. In numerology, names associated with authority often link to traits of responsibility and protection. The Hebrew connection to “speech” implies a person who is articulate and expressive.
