Rising since 1993, #2,036 for girls today.
Popularity of Meira since 1973
Babies named Meira per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 40 |
| 1980s | 98 |
| 1990s | 130 |
| 2000s | 384 |
| 2010s | 572 |
| 2020s | 433 |
Meaning & origin
Meira is a Hebrew feminine name meaning 'light,' a modern revival rooted in the biblical tradition. First recorded in U.S. data in 1973, the name remained rare for decades but has seen a steady rise since 1993, reaching its peak rank so far in 2025 at 2036th. About 1 in 17,282 newborn girls received the name in 2025, with notable usage in New Jersey, New York, and Ohio. Its gentle sound and luminous meaning appeal to families seeking a meaningful yet underused name, reflecting a broader trend toward short, light-filled Hebrew names.
Meira is a modern Hebrew name derived from the Hebrew root אור (or), meaning 'light'. It is the feminine form of Meir, a biblical name meaning 'one who illuminates' or 'bringing light'. Meira became popular in Israel during the mid-20th century as part of the revival of Hebrew names and has since been adopted in Jewish communities worldwide, especially in the United States.
Where Meira is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Meira” around the world
Where Meira lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mei, Miri, Mira
Sibling names for Meira
Names that share Meira's style, for a brother or sister.
