Declining since 2020, #4,758 for girls today.
Popularity of Munira since 1981
Babies named Munira per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 20 |
| 1990s | 49 |
| 2000s | 183 |
| 2010s | 278 |
| 2020s | 197 |
Meaning & origin
Munira entered U.S. records in 1981 and has been steadily chosen for girls, reaching its peak popularity in 2019. Since 2020, its usage has been declining, though it remains in use among families with Arabic or Muslim heritage. The name's rarity means approximately 1 in 57,402 girls were named Munira in 2025. It is most common in Minnesota and New York, reflecting communities with significant Somali and Arab American populations. Munira's luminous meaning has enduring appeal, and it pairs well with many traditional and modern sibling names.
Munira is the feminine form of the Arabic name Munir, derived from the root n-w-r, meaning 'light' or 'radiance.' It has been used across the Arabic-speaking world and in Muslim communities globally, often chosen for its positive connotation of brightness and illumination. The name appears in classical Arabic literature and continues to be used in modern times.
Where Munira is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Muni, Nira
Sibling names for Munira
Names that share Munira's style, for a brother or sister.
