Lyra
Lyre, harp — a girl name of Greek origin
Popularity of Lyra in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Lyra
Lyra takes its name from the small constellation representing a lyre, the stringed instrument of Greek mythology associated with the legendary musician Orpheus, whose lyre was said to be placed among the stars after his death. The name carries strong literary associations through Lyra Belacqua, the courageous heroine of Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy. With its celestial origin and musical meaning, Lyra has grown steadily popular among parents drawn to short, evocative names tied to mythology and the night sky.
Lyra Around the World
Lyra is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Lyra
Famous People Named Lyra
- Lyra Belacqua — protagonist of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy
- Lyra McKee — Northern Irish journalist
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Sibling Name Ideas for Lyra
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Lyra mean?
Lyra is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Lyre, harp." Lyra takes its name from the small constellation representing a lyre, the stringed instrument of Greek mythology associated with the legendary musician Orpheus, whose lyre was said to be placed among the stars after his death. The name carries strong literary associations through Lyra Belacqua, the courageous heroine of Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy.
How do you pronounce Lyra?
Lyra is pronounced LY-ruh. Common variations include Lira, Liora, Lyric.
Is Lyra a girl name?
Yes, Lyra is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Ly, Lyri.
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