A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Thyra since 1896
Babies named Thyra per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Thyra's real moment was 1904.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 17 |
| 1900s | 128 |
| 1910s | 206 |
| 1920s | 190 |
| 1930s | 130 |
| 1940s | 172 |
| 1950s | 139 |
| 1960s | 107 |
| 1970s | 64 |
| 1980s | 45 |
| 1990s | 34 |
| 2000s | 12 |
| 2010s | 12 |
| 2020s | 64 |
Meaning & origin
Thyra is a rare Scandinavian name with uncertain but intriguing roots. While its exact etymology remains debated, it is most commonly linked to the Old Norse element Þórr (Thor), giving it a subtle connection to Norse mythology. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1896 and peaked in 1904. After a long period of low usage, it has been rising again since 2015, reflecting a broader revival of vintage Scandinavian names. Although it has never ranked among top state favorites, its uniqueness and gentle sound make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with northern European heritage.
Thyra is a Scandinavian name of debated origin. It may derive from Old Norse Þýri, perhaps related to Þórr (Thor), the thunder god, or from a word meaning 'the helpful one'. Another theory links it to the Old English name Týr, a Germanic god. The name appears in early Danish history as the wife of King Gorm the Old. It became popular in the 19th century and has seen modest revival in the 21st century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ty
Sibling names for Thyra
Names that share Thyra's style, for a brother or sister.
