Name Meaning & Origin
🔊 MY-ruh /ˈmaɪərə/
"Myrrh bearer"
In Greek mythology, Myra was the name of a city in Lycia, now modern day Turkey. Myra is also the name of a woman mentioned in the New Testament, who was a wealthy widow and a generous benefactor to the apostle Paul and the early Christian community in Jerusalem. The name Myra is derived from the Greek word 'myrrh', which was a valuable aromatic resin used for embalming and religious rituals. Myra is therefore associated with the giving of alms and acts of charity, as well as with the spiritual and sacred significance of myrrh in the Bible and early Christian tradition.
The name Myra was created by the 17th-century poet Fulke Greville 1st Barone Brooke (1554–1628). Its origins are unknown, though some speculate the created name is an anagram of the name Mary, a variant spelling of the Latin word myrrha, meaning myrrh, a fragrant resin obtained from a tree, or derived from the Latin mirari, meaning wonder, the same source from which William Shakespeare derived the invented name Miranda.…
The name Myra has its roots in both Hebrew and Greek. It is derived from the Hebrew word for 'bitter' or 'wished-for child', and from the Greek word for 'scent' or 'perfume'. In Christian tradition, M…
Emotional Traits
Hidden Personality
Lucky Colors
Numerology: Exploration, Change, Freedom, Adventure
Life Path 3 — Creativity & Expression: Charismatic, artistic, and highly communicative.
Cultural Impact
The name Myra was common during the Roman Empire and into late antiquity, and it was particularly popular in the Eastern Christian world. It is mentioned in several early Christian texts and documents, including a record of the donations given by the widow Myra to the Christian community in Jerusalem. The name Myra has also been given to several Christian saints, including a fourth-century bishop of Myra in Lycia, who is venerated as St. Nicholas and is best known for his legendary acts of generosity and gift-giving.
Spiritual Significance
The name Myra is deeply rooted in the spiritual and symbolic traditions of the Bible and early Christianity. Its association with myrrh, a precious and fragrant resin, evokes the spiritual significance of incense and fragrance in religious rituals and practices. Myrrh was also used in the embalming of the body of Jesus Christ, reflecting the Christian belief in the Resurrection and the promise of eternal life. The name Myra is therefore a reminder of the spiritual and sacred meanings of giving, charity, and compassion, and of the enduring legacy of Jesus Christ and the early Christian community.
Based on 63,534 US Social Security records
Root element "Myra" emerges in Greek tradition, carrying the core meaning "Myrrh bearer".
Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.
Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.
Standardized in its current form, established across English-speaking and Muslim communities.
~63,534 people named Myra in the US. Peaked in 1958 with 1,295 recorded uses.
Myra was a renowned bishop of Lycia in Asia Minor during the 4th century AD. She is known for her charitable deeds, particularly her generosity to the poor. Her shrine became a popular pilgrimage site for Christians.
Myra is also the name of a city in modern-day Turkey, which was an important port city during the Roman Empire. The remains of a large basilica dedicated to Santa Maria in Sint-Maartensgat, Holland, are believed to contain relics of Saint Nicholas, who is traditionally associated with Myra.
Modern Usage
The Christian name 'Myra' has seen a modern resurgence in various contexts, including as a reference to the patron saint of travelers, brides, and pregnant women, Saint Myra of Lycia; in the realm of essential oils, specifically Myra Essentials Oil; and in the cosmetics industry, with brands such as Myra Beauty. Social media platforms like Instagram, Reddit, and Pinterest offer spaces for communities of individuals interested in these modern interpretations of the name Myra, facilitating sharing of information, inspiration, and experiences related to these topics.
Myra means "Myrrh bearer" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.
Yes, Myra is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.
Myra has Greek origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.
The Life Path number for Myra is 3, associated with Creativity & Expression. Soul Urge: 1. Personality: 2.
Myra is Predominantly Female. Based on US data, 0% male and 100% female.
Approximately 63,534 people in the United States are named Myra. The name peaked in 1958 with 1,295 recorded uses.
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