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Myra

Girl name · 98 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Myra: 98 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 8 births in 1975.

Myra is a name of complex origin, likely coined in the 17th century by the English poet Fulke Greville, who is thought to have created it by rearranging the letters of "Mary." It also has a legitimate Greek root, where "myrrh" (a fragrant resin) offers a meaning of "sweet-smelling" or "bitter," reflecting the scent's dual associations. The name was borne by Myra Hindley, one of the infamous Moors murderers, a connection that has historically overshadowed its wider use. Happily, Myra also recalls Myra Hess, the celebrated English pianist who organized morale-boosting lunchtime concerts during World War II. There are no direct place connections, but the name shares its etymological essence with Myrrh, making it subtly linked to ancient Judea and Egypt. A notable variant is the Irish spelling Moira, while the astronomer Myra is a lunar crater named for the Greek term.