Declining since 2018, #662 for girls today.
Popularity of Myra since 1880
Babies named Myra per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1958, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Myra's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 953 |
| 1890s | 1,305 |
| 1900s | 1,361 |
| 1910s | 3,398 |
| 1920s | 4,986 |
| 1930s | 5,858 |
| 1940s | 8,868 |
| 1950s | 10,378 |
| 1960s | 7,359 |
| 1970s | 3,781 |
| 1980s | 3,177 |
| 1990s | 2,473 |
| 2000s | 2,454 |
| 2010s | 4,594 |
| 2020s | 2,971 |
Meaning & origin
Myra is a name with a somewhat mysterious origin, first appearing in the 17th century. It saw its peak popularity in 1880, when it ranked 662 and was most common in Montana, West Virginia, and Idaho. In recent decades, its usage has been falling since 2018, but it remains a familiar and understated choice. The name's uncertainty regarding its meaning and derivation lends it a quiet intrigue. It fits neatly alongside other late 19th-century revivals and has a vintage charm that appeals to parents looking for something classic yet uncommon.
The name Myra first appeared in the 17th century, possibly coined by the English poet Fulke Greville. It may have been invented as a feminine form of the name Myron, or derived from the Latin myrra (myrrh). Alternatively, it could be a variant of Mayra, which itself is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Maire. The name gained moderate popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Where Myra is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Myra” around the world
Where Myra lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Ireland
10
babies in 2025
New Zealand
27
babies in 2025
Quebec
7
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Mayra
Sibling names for Myra
Names that share Myra's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Clara, Pearl, Nora, Stella, Ruby, Leola, Velma, Aarna, Letha, Cleora, Elvie, Launa, Lavada, Oneta, Sanvi, Waneta, Aarvi, Aashvi, Adhya, Anvika, Cleona, Elmyra, Erva, Genora, Juhi, Leoma, Loleta, Merla, Mylinda, Neola, Neomia, Orva, Twilla, Wyona, Aahana, Adya, Cyerra, Dalis, Guyla, Nainika, Pranshi, Belvie, Cele, Inetha, Ishitha, Myrel, Myrene, Naavya, Onetta, Shivanya, Shresta, Spruha, Versia
Brothers: Otis, Elmer, Roy, Hugh, Earl, Avyaan, Lamon, Reyansh, Vivaan, Aadit, Aadvik, Aayansh, Advaith, Ancil, Aviraj, Avyukt, Avyukth, Demarko, Eshaan, Izell, Naksh, Ranveer, Rudransh, Srihan, Aaryav, Advit, Anvay, Ferman, Hridhaan, Kiyansh, Shivaay, Vardaan, Viyaan, Yuvaan, Anvit, Othal, Adharv, Devaansh, Dhairya, Hridaan, Keontre, Kriyansh, Krrish, Lakshya, Smayan, Sriyansh, Vedaant, Viransh
Names like Myra
Names whose popularity has moved with Myra's over the last 50 years.
