Mira is a feminine given name meaning wonder or wonderful in Romance languages from Latin, peace in Slavic languages, goodness or kindness in Albanian, and ocean, sea, limit, or boundary in Sanskrit. It represents a brief name with several independent cultural traditions and meanings across the globe. In some traditions, Mira also serves as a familiar short form of other given names, such as the Arabic name Amira. In addition, it is recognized as a female given name from India.
Meaning and Origin
When researching baby name meanings and origins, parents will discover that Mira connects to multiple distinct linguistic traditions rather than a single root. In Romance languages, the name is related to the Latin word mirus, which signifies wonder and wonderful. This Latin connection provides one of the most widely recognized interpretations of the name in Western Europe and the Americas.
In Slavic languages, Mira translates directly to peace. The name frequently appears as a meaningful component within longer names, carrying an association with harmony and calm across Eastern European communities.
In Albanian, Mira carries the meaning of goodness or kindness. In Sanskrit, the name holds several interpretations, meaning ocean, sea, limit, or boundary. Wiktionary notes that by extension, it serves as a female given name from India. Mira can also be used as a shortened form of other given names, such as the Arabic name Amira.
Pronunciation
Mira is most commonly pronounced as MEER-uh in standard American English.
The first syllable rhymes with peer, cheer, and clear. The second syllable rhymes with the soft sound in duh. The spoken emphasis rests firmly on the first syllable, creating a crisp and melodic rhythm that parents find easy to pronounce across many languages.
Popularity in the United States
In official United States social security figures, Mira is most often given to girls and first appeared in 1887. A total of 15,096 US girls have received the name in total since 1887. Usage remained modest through the twentieth century, appearing at rank 2,317 with 19 babies in 1950 and rank 2,173 with 47 babies in 1980. The name began a steady ascent around the turn of the century, rising to rank 1,159 with 174 babies in 2000 and reaching rank 850 with 316 babies in 2010. That upward trend gathered pace by 2020, when 634 babies lifted it to rank 485. Mira achieved its peak rank and latest standing in 2025, reaching number 335 with 916 babies.
| Year | US rank (girls) | Babies named Mira |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | #2,317 | 19 |
| 1980 | #2,173 | 47 |
| 2000 | #1,159 | 174 |
| 2010 | #850 | 316 |
| 2020 | #485 | 634 |
| 2025 | #335 | 916 |
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data (names given to at least 5 babies in a year).
Nicknames
Because Mira is a concise two-syllable name, everyday pet names usually take the form of playful repetitions or affectionate diminutives. Common short forms of the name itself include Mimi, Miri, and Mir.
In Slavic traditions, longer other-language forms connected to the name include Miroslava, Mirjana, and Sławomira.
Famous People Named Mira
Several well-known figures have brought recognition to the name in international cinema, television, and theater:
- Mira Sorvino, an American actress who won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for her performance in Mighty Aphrodite.
- Mira Nair, an Indian-American film director and producer celebrated for acclaimed feature films including Monsoon Wedding and The Namesake.
- Mira Furlan, a Croatian actress and singer widely known for starring roles in television series such as Babylon 5 and Lost.
Middle and Sibling Names
Middle names that pair smoothly with Mira include Claire, Grace, Rose, Jane, and Freya.
Complementary sibling names include Leo, Jasper, Felix, Chloe, and Oliver.
FAQ
In what year did the name Mira first appear in official United States counts?
The name Mira first appeared in official United States figures in 1887. That early appearance established the feminine name in American government counts more than a century before its climb into modern popularity.
How many American girls have received the name Mira in total?
A total of 15,096 American girls have received the name Mira since 1887. This overall figure reflects more than a century of consistent usage by parents across the United States.
How does Mira’s peak ranking compare with its latest standing?
Mira reached its peak rank of number 335 in 2025, which also represents its latest official standing. In that same year, 916 babies received the name as it reached its highest position to date.
Comments