Rising since 1999, #2,214 for girls today.
Popularity of Mahira since 1992
Babies named Mahira per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 15 |
| 2000s | 64 |
| 2010s | 334 |
| 2020s | 416 |
Meaning & origin
Mahira has been in use in the United States since at least 1992, but it remained rare for decades. Its trajectory shifted upward noticeably after 1999, and by 2024 it reached a peak rank of 2,214. In 2025, approximately 1 in 19,365 baby girls received the name. Mahira is most common in New York, Virginia, and New Jersey, reflecting its appeal among South Asian and Muslim communities in those states. The name carries a sophisticated, global feel, balancing Arabic and Sanskrit roots. Its rise mirrors a broader trend toward melodic, cross-cultural names with meaningful etymologies. While still uncommon, Mahira's steady growth suggests it is becoming a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with depth and elegance.
Mahira is a name shared across Arabic and Sanskrit traditions. In Arabic, it derives from the root m-h-r (مهر), meaning 'skilled' or 'expert,' and is the feminine form of Mahir. In Sanskrit, it is an epithet of the goddess Lakshmi, meaning 'great' or 'mighty,' and appears in Hindu texts. The name has been used in South Asia for centuries, with modern popularity rising among Muslim and Hindu families alike.
Where Mahira is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Mahira” around the world
Where Mahira lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mira, Mahi, Mahu
Sibling names for Mahira
Names that share Mahira's style, for a brother or sister.
