Myra

Myra is a beautiful name for girls with a vintage feel. It was only created in the 1600s but has been popular ever since. Even now, Myra is a top 600 name choice in America for girls.

Meaning of the Name Myra

A poet named Fulke Greville invented the name Myra in the 1600s as a nickname for Miranda. Lovers of his work began to use Myra in their novels and poems, including Sinclair Lewis and Gore Vidal. Some believe that Greville based the name Myra on the Latin word “myrra” which means “myrrh,” a type of fragrance.

Myra means “sweet-smelling oil” because of the word “myrrh.” Remember, Greville likely came up with the name from the Latin “myrra” which translates to “myrrh.” “Myrrh” is a resin with a beautiful fragrance.

Nicknames for Myra

Myra feels wholesome and simple. It is a natural name that is easy for use and can pair wonderfully with a nickname. Below, we've compiled a list of fun nicknames to get you inspired but feel free to come up with a nickname unique to the Myra in your life.

• My
• My My
• Ra
• Ray 
• Mimi 
• Rara
• Myru

Myra Name Details

Style: Traditional

Gender: Myra is traditionally considered to be a girls name.

Pronunciation: MIE-rah

Syllables: Two

Alternative Spelling for Myra

• Myrah
• Mira
• Mirah
• Mayra
• Maera
• Maira 

Myra Name Popularity

Myra was around a top 300 name, with only a couple spots above in a few years, until 1961 in America. It ranked highest in 1942 at number 216. Myra is still close to a top 500 name now, however, ranking at number 556 in 2020.

Related Names for Myra

• Meara
• Elvira
• Lainey 
• Ciara 
• Mina
• Moira
• Capri
• Davina

Great Middle Names for Myra and Their Meanings

• Brynn (hill, mound)
• Claire (clear, bright)
• Sage (wise man)
• Grace (God's grace)
• Lenoir (dark-haired, swarthy)
• Kay (pure, clear)
• Kathleen (pure)
• Josephine (Yahweh shall grow)

Famous People Named Myra

• Myra Hess (pianist)
• Myra Kraft (philanthropist)
• Myra Amos (singer)
• Myra Shirley (Belle Starr's birth name, wrestler)
• Myra Bradwell (publisher, activist)
• Myra Taylor (R&B singer)
• Myra Soble (Russian spy)
• Myra MacPherson (historian, author)

Myra in Popular Culture

• Myra Breckinridge (main character from novel by Gore Vidal)
• Myra Henshaw (character from “My Mortal Enemy”)
• Myra Hope (character from “The Widow”)
• Myra Monkhouse (character from “Family Matters”)
• Myra (character from “Suits”)
• Myra (character from “Divergent” series)
• Myra Castellanos (character from “The Evil Within” video game)

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Anicka S/Shutterstock.com.