The name Myra has a rich history and a variety of meanings depending on the culture and language. In Greek, Myra means “sweet-smelling oil” and is associated with the fragrant resin myrrh. The name also has Sanskrit origins and means “beloved, favorable, admirable.” In Japanese, the name Maira 舞良 means “dance” and “good.”
The name Myra is often associated with elegance, grace, and beauty. It has been a popular name for girls for centuries and continues to be a beloved choice for parents today. The name has been used in literature, music, and film, further cementing its place in popular culture.
Whether you are considering naming your child Myra or simply curious about the name’s origins and meanings, exploring the history and significance of this name can be a fascinating journey. In this article, we will delve deeper into the various meanings and cultural significance of the name Myra.
Myra Name Origin
The name Myra has an interesting origin. It is believed that the name was created by the 17th-century poet Fulke Greville, 1st Baron Brooke (1554-1628). He may have based it on the Latin word “myrra,” which means “myrrh,” a fragrant resin obtained from a tree. Alternatively, he may have simply rearranged the letters from the name Mary.
The name Myra is also said to have Greek origins. It is derived from the Greek word “myron,” which means “sweet oil” or “perfume.” This is fitting, as myrrh was commonly used in perfumes and other fragrances during ancient times.
In addition to its Greek and Latin origins, the name Myra has also been associated with the shortened version of the name Mira. Mira is a name of Slavic origin that means “peace” or “world.” It is also a name that has been used in various cultures, including Arabic, Indian, and Hebrew.
Overall, the name Myra has a rich and diverse history. It has been used in various cultures and languages, and its meaning has evolved over time. Whether you choose to name your child Myra because of its Greek or Latin origins or simply because you like the sound of it, it is a name that has stood the test of time and is sure to make a lasting impression.
Meaning of Myra
Myra is a feminine name with Greek and English origins. It is believed to have originated from the Greek word “myrrh,” which is a fragrant resinous substance obtained from an aromatic shrub. Myrrh has been used since ancient times as a perfume, incense, and medicine.
The name Myra is also associated with the Latin word “mira,” which means “wonderful” or “astonishing.” In addition, it can be derived from the Sanskrit word “maira,” which means “dance” or “flow.”
Overall, Myra is a name that conveys a sense of beauty, nature, and fragrance. It has a minor but significant presence in various cultures and languages around the world.
Variations of Myra
There are several variations of the name Myra, including Mira, My, and Myrrh. These variations have different meanings and origins, but they all share a common association with the name Myra.
For example, Mira is a name of Slavic origin that means “peace” or “world.” My is a short form of Myra that is sometimes used as a standalone name. Myrrh is a name that is directly derived from the fragrant resinous substance and is sometimes used as a name for girls.
Popularity of Myra
The popularity of the name Myra has fluctuated over time, but it has remained a relatively uncommon name. In recent years, it has seen a slight increase in popularity, possibly due to a resurgence of interest in vintage names.
According to statistics, Myra is most popular in the United States, where it ranked as the 1,882nd most popular name for girls in 2020. It is also moderately popular in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Famous People Named Myra
There have been several notable people named Myra throughout history. One of the most famous is Myra Hindley, who was a notorious criminal in the United Kingdom in the 1960s. Other notable Myras include Myra Breckinridge, a fictional character in a novel by Gore Vidal, and Myra McQueen, a character in the British soap opera “Hollyoaks.”
In conclusion, Myra is a name with a rich history and diverse meanings. Whether derived from Greek, Sanskrit, or Latin, it is a name that conveys a sense of beauty, nature, and fragrance.
Popularity of the Name Myra
Myra is a beautiful and unique name that has been around for centuries. Over the years, this name has gained popularity in the United States and around the world. In this section, we will take a closer look at the popularity of the name Myra.
According to the Social Security Administration, Myra was ranked as the 264th most popular baby girl name in 2023, which is a significant increase from the previous year. This data is based on the number of babies born in the United States who were given the name Myra.
In addition to the popularity of the name Myra in the United States, it is also a popular name in other parts of the world. The name has Greek origins and has been used in various cultures throughout history.
While Myra is predominantly a girl’s name, there have been a few boys given the name as well. In the United States, there have been a total of 51 males named Myra and 61,351 females given the name.
If you are considering naming your baby girl Myra, you are not alone. This name has been steadily increasing in popularity over the years and is a great choice for parents who want a unique and beautiful name for their daughter.
Overall, the popularity of the name Myra continues to rise, making it a great choice for parents who want a name that is both classic and modern.
Famous Namesakes
The name Myra has been popular for centuries, and it has been used for many notable people in various fields. Here are some of the famous namesakes associated with the name Myra:
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Fulke Greville: The 17th-century poet who created the name Myra, possibly based on the Latin word “myrra” meaning “myrrh” or by rearranging the letters in the name Mary.
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Miranda: The protagonist of Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest” is sometimes referred to as Myra. Miranda is a name that shares some similarities with Myra, and it has become popular in recent years.
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Mary: The name Myra is believed to have originated from the name Mary, and it is still commonly used as a nickname for Mary.
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Divergent: In the popular young adult book series “Divergent,” Myra is a minor character who is part of the Dauntless faction.
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Pianist: Myra Hess was a renowned British pianist who performed during World War II and became known for her concerts in the National Gallery in London.
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Gore Vidal: Myra Breckinridge is a novel written by Gore Vidal, which was later adapted into a film. The novel’s protagonist is a transgender woman named Myra Breckinridge.
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Sinclair Lewis: In Sinclair Lewis’s novel “My Mortal Enemy,” the protagonist is named Myra Henshawe, who is a wealthy woman who is unhappy with her life.
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Belle Starr: Myra Maybelle Shirley, also known as Belle Starr, was a notorious American outlaw who lived in the late 19th century.
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Myra Sobel: Myra is the name of the protagonist in the play “The Widow” by Ariel Dorfman, which is based on the true story of Myra Sobel, who was convicted of murdering her husband.
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Hollyoaks: In the British soap opera “Hollyoaks,” Myra Monkhouse is a character who is known for her outspoken and sometimes controversial opinions.
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Suits: In the American legal drama “Suits,” Myra Bennett is a character who works as a judge.
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Community: In the American sitcom “Community,” Myra is the name of a minor character who is a member of the Greendale Human Being mascot team.
In conclusion, the name Myra has been used for many notable people in various fields, including literature, music, and entertainment. These famous namesakes demonstrate the versatility and enduring popularity of the name Myra.
Variations and Similar Names
Myra is a unique and beautiful name that has several variations and similar names. Here are some of them:
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Mayra: A variation of Myra that is more commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries. It means “sea of bitterness” or “beloved”.
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Moira: A name of Greek origin that means “fate” or “destiny”. It has a similar sound to Myra and can be a great alternative for those who like the meaning behind it.
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Mina: A name of German origin that means “love”. It is a simple and wholesome name that can be a great alternative to Myra.
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Ava: A name of Latin origin that means “bird”. It has a similar sound to Myra and can be a great alternative for those who like short and sweet names.
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Meara: A name of Irish origin that means “sea”. It has a similar sound to Myra and can be a great alternative for those who like nature-inspired names.
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Latin Myrra: Myra is derived from the Latin word “myrra”, which means “myrrh”. Myrrh is a fragrant tree substance that has been used for many things in the past, from perfumes to medicine.
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Anatolia: Myra is also the name of an ancient city in Anatolia, which is now modern-day Turkey. The city was known for its theater and rock-cut tombs.
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Classic and Poetic Invention: Myra is a classic and poetic invention by the English poet Fulke Greville. It is known to mean “myrrh”, which is a fragrant tree substance that has been used for many things in the past, from perfumes to medicine.
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Quiet Song: Myra also has a French origin and means “quiet song”. It is a beautiful and melodic name that can be a great alternative to Myra.
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Marvelous Elvira: Elvira is a name of Spanish origin that means “marvelous”. It has a similar sound to Myra and can be a great alternative for those who like unique and exotic names.
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Lainey: A name of English origin that means “path” or “road”. It has a similar sound to Myra and can be a great alternative for those who like short and sweet names.
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Ciara: A name of Irish origin that means “dark-haired”. It has a similar sound to Myra and can be a great alternative for those who like names with a strong meaning.
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Capri: A name of Italian origin that means “goat”. It has a similar sound to Myra and can be a great alternative for those who like nature-inspired names.
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Davina: A name of Scottish origin that means “beloved”. It has a similar sound to Myra and can be a great alternative for those who like names with a strong meaning.
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Sage: A name of English origin that means “wise”. It has a similar sound to Myra and can be a great alternative for those who like nature-inspired names.
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Mara: A name of Hebrew origin that means “bitter”. It has a similar sound to Myra and can be a great alternative for those who like names with a strong meaning.
In summary, Myra has several variations and similar names that can be a great alternative for those who like the sound or meaning behind it. From nature-inspired names to strong and meaningful names, there is something for everyone.
Myra in Literature and Media
The name Myra has appeared in various literary works and media throughout history. Here are some notable mentions:
Family Matters
In the popular 90s sitcom “Family Matters,” Myra Monkhouse was the girlfriend of the character Steve Urkel. Myra was portrayed as a sweet and caring individual who was head over heels in love with Steve, despite his nerdy and clumsy demeanor. The character of Myra was played by actress Michelle Thomas.
The Evil Within
In the video game “The Evil Within,” Myra Hanson is the wife of the main protagonist, Sebastian Castellanos. Myra is a detective who works with Sebastian, investigating a series of gruesome murders. As the game progresses, Myra becomes more and more involved in the supernatural events that are unfolding, eventually becoming a major antagonist.
Writers
Several notable writers have borne the name Myra. Myra Cohn Livingston was an American poet and children’s book author who wrote over 80 books during her career. Myra McEntire is a contemporary young adult author who has written several popular novels, including “Hourglass” and “Infinityglass.”
Myra Breckinridge
“Myra Breckinridge” is a controversial novel by Gore Vidal, first published in 1968. The book tells the story of Myra Breckinridge, a transgender woman who seeks revenge on the patriarchal Hollywood establishment. The novel was adapted into a film in 1970, starring Raquel Welch as Myra.
Future
The name Myra has been used in several works of science fiction to represent a future society. In the novel “The Dispossessed” by Ursula K. Le Guin, Myra is the name of a planet in a distant star system. In the video game “Mass Effect,” Myra is the name of a space station that serves as a hub for interstellar travel.
Politics
Myra is also the name of a political action committee (PAC) that supports women candidates for public office. The Myra PAC was founded in 2017 and aims to increase the number of women in elected positions at all levels of government.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the name Myra has a rich history and meaning. It is derived from the Latin word “myrra,” which means “a fragrant oil obtained from a tree resin.” This name was created by the 17th-century poet Fulke Greville, and it has been used as a feminine given name since then.
The popularity of the name Myra has fluctuated over the years, but it has remained a beloved name for many parents. It has a sweet and gentle sound that makes it a popular choice for baby girls.
If you are considering the name Myra for your baby girl, you can take comfort in knowing that it has a positive meaning and a rich history. It is a name that is both classic and timeless, and it is sure to bring joy and happiness to your family for many years to come.