Kira Girl

Popularity: #402 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KEE-rah //ˈkiːrə//

Origin: Japanese; Russian; Irish

Meaning: Japanese: 'glitter' or 'shine'; Russian: 'beloved'; Irish: 'little dark one'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Kira has multiple linguistic roots and meanings, contributing to its rich etymological background. One prominent origin is from the Russian name "Kira," which is derived from the Greek name "Kyra," meaning "lady" or "mistress." The Greek "Kyra" itself is a feminine form of "Kyros," which translates to "lord" or "master." This name made its way into various cultures, including Slavic languages, where it has been adopted and adapted over time.

In Japanese, Kira can mean "shining" or "glittering," depending on the kanji used, showcasing the name's diverse interpretations across different languages and cultures. Historically, the name Kira has been associated with notable figures and events.

In the context of Russian history, Kira was borne by several saints, including Saint Kira of Alexandria, who is celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The name gained further recognition through its use in literature and popular culture, particularly in the 20th century, although specific historical milestones are less documented compared to other names.

The name's presence in various cultures has allowed it to transcend geographical boundaries, appearing in different forms and variations. Culturally, Kira resonates with themes of strength and femininity, often symbolizing leadership and grace.

In many traditions, names carry significant weight, and Kira's meanings in both Greek and Japanese contexts have contributed to its enduring appeal. The name's association with nobility and light has made it a favored choice in various narratives and artistic expressions.

While diminutive forms like Kiki or Ki may arise in informal contexts, the name Kira stands strong in its own right, embodying a blend of historical depth and cultural significance.

Famous people named Kira

In this section, you will find notable people named Kira. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Kira who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Kira who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Kira Kosarin is an actress and singer best known for The Thundermans, The Loud House, and her music career.

Kira Knightley is an actress best known for Pirates of the Caribbean, Atonement, and Pride & Prejudice.

Kira Buckland is a voice actress best known for her roles in video games such as Danganronpa, and anime series like JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

Fictional characters named Kira

The following list of fictional characters named Kira is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.

You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.

Kira Yamato is a fictional character from the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. He is the main protagonist who pilots the mobile suit Freedom Gundam and navigates the complexities of war and personal relationships.

Kira Nerys is a fictional character from the TV series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. She is a Bajoran freedom fighter and later the station's first officer, known for her strong leadership and dedication to her people.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Kira, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Kira. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Kira was first seen in the United States in 1938.

Kira has ranked as high as #465 nationally, which occurred in 2005, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

In the past 5 years the name Kira has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Kira is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Kira was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Top States for Kira (2024)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.

State Births Share
CA 125
20%
NY 52
8%
TX 44
7%
PA 40
6%
WA 33
5%
FL 32
5%
NJ 24
4%
IL 22
4%
VA 21
3%
OH 17
3%
MN 17
3%
CO 16
3%
MA 16
3%
GA 16
3%
NC 16
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Kira.

YearBirths
2024684
2023718
2022801
2021813
2020808
2019818
2018829
2017821
2016881
2015910
2014950
2013901
2012885
2011946
20101,036
20091,117
20081,370
20071,266
20061,362
20051,391
20041,184
20031,084
20021,126
20011,093
20001,092
19991,106
19981,136
1997892
1996725
1995682
1994676
1993656
1992586
1991531
1990449
1989476
1988559
1987530
1986492
1985591
1984766
1983555
1982891
1981393
1980209
1979153
1978134
1977144
1976146
1975258
1974193
1973123
1972104
1971130
1970121
1969119
196889
196781
196685
196558
196463
196344
196233
196128
196027
195913
195822
195712
195617
19556
19547
195211
19485
19385