Cyra

Meaning & origin

Cyra is a rare and distinctive name with roots in both Persian and Greek traditions. In 2025, the name ranked 2,691 in the United States, with approximately 1 in 25,114 girls receiving the name, placing it well outside the top 1,000. Its rarity is matched by a strong upward trajectory; after first appearing in records in 1974, Cyra saw a resurgence beginning in 1985 and has been rising steadily since, achieving its peak popularity in 2025. The name is most commonly found in the states of New Jersey, New York, and California, reflecting a concentration in culturally diverse urban areas. Cyra's dual heritage as a feminine counterpart to the ancient Persian name Cyrus and as a variant of the Greek Kyra gives it a timeless yet uncommon appeal, appealing to parents seeking a name that is both historic and underused.

Cyra is most commonly understood as the feminine counterpart of the ancient Persian name Cyrus, which derives from the Old Persian Kūruš, possibly meaning 'throne' or 'sun'. Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, lending the name historical significance. Alternatively, Cyra may be a variant of the Greek name Kyra, a feminine form of kyrios meaning 'lord' or 'master', thus meaning 'lady' or 'mistress'. The name has seen sporadic use in English-speaking countries since the 20th century.