Mira Name Meaning: History, Pronunciation & Gender

What Does Mira Mean?

The name Mira has a variety of meanings, such as “female ruler”, “peace”, “admirable”, and “ocean.” In Latin, it comes from “mirabilis” (“wonderful”) or “admirari” (“wonder”).

Mira is also Albanian for “kindness” or “goodness.” Another meaning, “ocean,” comes from Sanskrit. That origin also leads to the translations “sea”, “boundary”, or “limit.”

What Is the Origin of the Name Mira?

Mira is of Spanish, Arabic, Sanskrit, Latin, and Slavic origin. The Spanish etymology for Mira is from the word “mirar,” which means “to look” ⁽¹⁾.

The Greek meaning of Mira comes from “myrrh.” It is a fragrant material derived from a tree used to make medicines and perfumes. In the Hebrew Bible, myrrh was anointing oil to symbolize the death of self and rebirth to a life devoted to the Lord.

Another source is Sanskrit, with the 16th Century Hindu saint and princess Mirabai being a prominent influence. She worshiped Krishna, the eighth avatar of the deity named Vishnu, and was also a poet that had her works turned into songs ⁽²⁾.

Elsewhere, Mira can also come from Japanese, meaning “truth” or “reality.” You will see many characters named in various Japanese anime.

How Popular Is the Name Mira?

Mira is a popular name in the United States. In 2021, it ranked 484 out of the top 1,000 baby names for girls ⁽³⁾.

The name hit the top list in 2001 at 969. It fell off the list in 2002 but returned in 2003. Mira continues to be one of the highest-ranking names for baby girls in the United States since then. Its best performing year was at the 454th position in 2019.

How Do I Pronounce Mira?

Mira is pronounced by saying “MIH-rah.” However, parents may prefer the pronunciation of “MYE-ruh” instead.

Is Mira a Boy or Girl Name?

In the United States, Mira is a name for baby girls. It is not common enough for boys to have ranking records from the Social Security Administration. However, in Slavic countries, it is often a diminutive of Miroslava, the feminine equivalent of Miroslav.

Variations of Mira

Despite Mira being a four-letter name, there are beautifully-spelled variations to customize it and give it a different twist. These reflect how widespread the name is, and include:

• Mirah (Arabic)
• Mirra (Italian)
• Myra (Greek, Latin, Arabic, and Hebrew)
• Myrra (Latin)
• Myrrha (Greek and Latin)

Nicknames for Mira

While it is a short name, there are various nicknames that you can call your little girl named Mira. Here are some of the most endearing options:

• Mimi
• Myr
• Myru
• Rah
• Rah Rah
• Rara
• Ray

Similar Names to Mira

Mira is a charming and energetic name for a little girl, but there are many similar names to consider:

• Amira
• Almira
• Elmira
• Maia
• Mara
• Maria
• Mariah
• Mariam
• Mariana
• Marina
• Mia
• Mila
• Mina
• Mirabel
• Mirai
• Miranda

Middle Names for Mira

Because Mira is a shorter given name, longer middle names complement it for a better flow. The following have a similar elegance and are excellent choices to match it:

• Adeline
• Avery
• Bea
• Brynne
• Claire
• Elaine
• Eve
• Joan
• Josephine
• Joy
• June
• Maeve
• Maybelline
• Rio
• Violet

Sibling Names for Mira

If you have a baby named Mira already, it is time to find the best name for their sibling. Several start with the letter “M,” if you’re looking to go with a theme:

For a brother:

• Alan
• Braxton
• Caleb
• Carter
• Malachi
• Maxwell
• Melvin
• Miles
• Myron

For a sister:

• Elena
• Madeline
• Margaret
• Melanie
• Melody
• Paige
• Rain
• Raven
• Tiana

Famous People Named Mira

If you name your baby Mira, they will have namesakes associated with many famous people. Some of the most significant namesakes worthy of a mention include:

• Mira Dancy: American painter.
• Mira Gonzalez: American poet.
• Mira Furlan: Croatian actress best known for her role as Ambassador Delenn in the sci-fi television series “Babylon 5.”
• Mira Lehr: American multimedia artist.
• Mira Nair: Indian-American movie director.
• Mira Nakashima: Japanese-American furniture maker and architect.
• Mira Sorvino: American actress known for roles including “Norma Jean and Marilyn” and “Barcelona.”
• Mira W: Indonesian author.
• Mira Ziminska: Polish actress.

Mira in Popular Culture

Mira is a popular name even in works of fiction, with appearances as diverse as anime characters, Disney :

• Mira: Character from the video game “Animal Crossing New Leaf.”
• Mira: Fictional protagonist in the Disney Junior show, “Mira, Royal Detective.”
• Mira Ackerman: Character from the Japanese anime “Godannar.”
• Mira Nova: Fictional supporting character from the cartoon “Buzz Lightyear of Star Command.”
• Mira Yamana: Character from the Japanese manga “Trinity Seven.”

Mira FAQs

Mira has astounding origins from diverse cultures. While contemplating whether Mira is the best baby name for your little one, here are some answers to your frequently asked questions.