Khyra

Meaning & origin

Khyra is a modern American coinage that first appeared on the U.S. naming scene in 1991. It is best understood as a respelled variant of the more established name Kyra, which itself draws from Greek and Persian roots. The name saw its peak popularity in 2006 (rank 10,107 in 2025, with a 1-in-178,585 incidence) and has been on a downward trajectory since the 2000s. While never breaking into the top 1,000, Khyra reflects a broader trend of creative spellings that add a distinctive flair to familiar sounds. Its top states are not concentrated regionally, suggesting nationwide but sparse usage. Khyra remains a rare choice, appealing to parents who favor a modern, phonetically unique name with a soft-yet-sturdy feel.

Khyra is a modern English coinage that emerged in the late 20th century. It is most likely a variant spelling of Kyra, which itself can be a feminine form of Cyrus (Persian origin meaning 'sun') or a short form of Katerina (Greek origin). The spelling with 'h' reflects a creative respelling, a common trend in American naming practices. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1991.