Mira

What does the baby name “Mira” mean?

Mira is a luminous name with roots in the Latin word for "wonderful" or "extraordinary," a fitting name for a baby who will no doubt inspire wonder in everyone around her.

Origin of the baby name Mira

Mira draws its primary meaning from the Latin word mirus, meaning "wonderful," "astonishing," or "extraordinary." The name gained astronomical fame when the astronomer Johannes Hevelius named a remarkable variable star Mira in the mid-17th century, describing it as "the wonderful one" for its dramatic changes in brightness. As a given name, Mira also functions in Slavic languages as a short form of names containing the element "mir," meaning "peace" or "world," giving it a second layer of beautiful meaning.

History of the baby name “Mira”

As an astronomical term, Mira has been part of the scientific vocabulary since the 17th century, lending the name a certain cosmic prestige. As a given name, it has been used in multiple cultural traditions simultaneously: in Dutch and Flemish communities, in Slavic countries where it relates to peace, and in South Asian naming traditions where it connects to Sanskrit and to the beloved 16th-century poet-saint Mirabai. In English-speaking countries, Mira gained traction through the 20th century as parents sought short, feminine names with genuine international flair.

Why parents choose the baby name “Mira”

Mira has a gentle elegance that is hard to resist. It is short, easy to pronounce in almost any language, and carries beautiful meanings across multiple traditions. Its celestial association adds a dreamy quality, while its Latin root "wonderful" gives parents a lovely story to tell. It sits in the sweet spot of being recognizable but still distinctive, and it works equally well for a quiet, thoughtful child or a bright and sparkling one.

Nicknames for the Baby Name “Mira”

Mir, Miry, Mirin, Mirkin, Mirster, Mirerino, Mirinator

Nicknames from Around the World for the Baby Name “Mira”

Terms of endearment for a baby name work differently around the world. Some cultures clip the name short, while others add an affectionate ending that can make it longer instead. Here is how the baby name Mira might sound as a nickname in a few other languages and dialects.

Variations on the baby name “Mira”

Closely related names include Myra, which shares the same phonetic profile and overlaps in meaning and feel. Elmira extends the sound into a longer form. Miira is an alternate spelling occasionally used in Finland and Scandinavia. In Slavic contexts, Mira connects to a family of names including Miroslava and Mirjana. In South Asian naming traditions, Mira (also spelled Meera) honors the beloved poet-saint Mirabai, adding yet another dimension to this remarkably versatile name.

Baby names similar to “Mira”

These baby names share spelling patterns with Mira and may appeal to parents who love the look and feel of this name.

Baby names that sound like “Mira”

Baby sibling names for Mira

Matched by similar popularity, name length, and ending sound. See baby sibling names with numerology compatible with Mira →

Baby Middle Names for Mira

Picked for a different ending sound and rhythm than Mira, so the two names flow well said together as a pair.

The “Name Game” for “Mira”

Baby names starting with MIR

Baby names ending with IRA