Meera

Meaning & origin

Meera is a name that has been on a steady upward trajectory in the United States since 1985, reflecting a growing appreciation for cross-cultural names. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1965 and reached its peak rank of 1016 in 2025, a year in which approximately 1 in every 6534 newborn girls received the name. The name is particularly concentrated in culturally diverse states such as Massachusetts, Washington, and Michigan. Its appeal likely stems from its soft sound and multiple meaningful origins: in Sanskrit it is associated with the ocean or the divine, while in Arabic it carries regal connotations. The enduring legacy of the Hindu saint Mirabai also gives the name a spiritual and historical depth that resonates with many families.

Meera is most commonly considered a variant of Mira, which in Sanskrit is often interpreted as meaning 'ocean' or 'sea,' but also as a feminine form of Mir meaning 'prince' in Arabic. The name is strongly associated with the 16th-century Hindu poet-saint Mirabai, a devotee of Krishna, whose life and poetry are well-known in India. In modern times, Meera has been used across various cultures, including in India, the United Kingdom, and the United States, often chosen for its melodic sound and cultural resonance.