Myra: Baby Name Meaning, Nicknames and Numerology

What does the baby name “Myra” mean?

Myra was invented by the Renaissance poet Fulke Greville, possibly as an elegant anagram of Mary, and has charmed parents with its delicate, timeless sound ever since.

Origin of the baby name Myra

Myra is believed to have been coined by the English poet Fulke Greville in the late 16th or early 17th century, possibly as an anagram of the name Mary or as a poetic variation on it. As an invented literary name, it does not have a single ancient root word, but it has been connected to the city of Myra in ancient Lycia, home of Saint Nicholas, and to the Greek word for myrrh, a precious and fragrant resin long associated with ceremony and beauty. Over time the name took on a life of its own, independent of any single origin.

Baby Myra: The Creative →

History of the baby name “Myra”

After Fulke Greville introduced Myra in his poetry, the name gradually moved from literary circles into broader use in English-speaking countries. It found its most consistent home through the 19th and into the mid-20th century, carried by a quiet elegance that suited the naming tastes of those eras. Today it has a charming vintage quality that fits naturally alongside the revival of other classic short names that feel both refined and approachable.

Why parents choose the baby name “Myra”

Myra is sweet, compact, and carries an air of old-world refinement without feeling stuffy or overly formal. Its literary origin gives it an interesting story for parents who love names with a creative pedigree, and its similarity to the popular Mira keeps it feeling current. At just two syllables, it is easy to say and easy to love, with a gentle sound that ages beautifully.

Nicknames for the Baby Name “Myra”

Myr, Myry, Myrin, Myrkin, Myrster, Myrerino, Myrinator

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

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 Myra might sound as a nickname in a few other languages and dialects.

Australian:

Myro, Myzza

British:

Myrs

German:

Myrachen

Irish:

Myreen

Italian:

Myretta

Spanish:

Myrita

Variations on the baby name “Myra”

Myra's closest variant is Mira, which shares almost the same sound and is used widely across European and South Asian traditions. Amyra and Tamyra are elaborated forms that build on the same core. Miira appears as a Scandinavian spelling variant. In some traditions the name also sits alongside Moira and Maura as part of a loose family of short M-vowel names with a similarly lyrical quality.

Related forms