Origin
Sanskrit origin, from the word 'Meera' or 'Mirabai', a 16th-century Hindu mystic and poetess from India. The name is rooted in Indian cultural and religious history, associated with devotion and spirituality.
Meaning
The name 'Meera' signifies 'ocean' or 'sea' in Sanskrit, symbolising vastness, depth, and serenity. In Australian contexts, it is often appreciated for its melodic and spiritual connotations, evoking calmness and introspection.
Pronunciation
/ˈmɪə.rə/ (Australian English pronunciation, emphasising the first syllable with a short 'i' sound, and the second syllable as 'ra')—/'mɪˈeː.rɑː'/ in phonetic spelling.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Mira (alternative spelling, common in Australia)
- Meerah (alternative spelling, used for phonetic emphasis)
- Mei (inspired by similar phonetics, but distinct)
Nicknames
- Mee
- Mimi
Name Days
- 13 September (Feast of Saint Mirabai, traditional Hindu celebration honoring the poetess)
- 15 August (Indian Independence Day, culturally relevant in multicultural Australia)
- 07 July (International Meditation Day, aligning with spiritual themes)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with meera:
- Avery and Meera
- Liam and Meera,
- Ella and Meera'
Fun Facts
- The name gained popularity in Australia through multicultural communities, especially those with Indian heritage.
- Several Australian children’s books feature a character named Meera, emphasising its cultural diversity.
- In Australian art, Meera is sometimes used as a symbol of spiritual journey and artistic expression.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name meera:
- Spiritual
- Introspective
- Calm and serene
- Culturally aware
Aesthetic Qualities
Elegant and melodic, the name has a flowing, lyrical quality that appeals visually and aurally, fitting well with Australian tastes for unique and meaningful names.
Geographical Distribution
More commonly found in urban areas with significant Indian or South Asian populations, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, reflecting immigration patterns.
Numerological Significance
Number 7 (based on numerology), associated with introspection, spirituality, and intellectual pursuits—aligns with the name's calm and reflective qualities.
Astrological Connections
Linked with the zodiac sign Cancer—emphasising emotional depth and nurturing qualities, suitable for those born mid-year or under water signs., 7 (spiritual insight and introspection) in astrology.
Historical Context
The name has cultural significance in Indian literature and poetry, especially due to Mirabai, a revered saint and poetess known for her devotion to Krishna. It has entered Australian multicultural consciousness through immigration and community stories.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across different languages, maintaining its phonetic integrity in English, Hindi, and other Indo-Aryan languages, with common recognition in Australia due to multicultural interactions.
Famous People Named meera
- Meera Syal (British-Indian actress and comedian)
- Meera Chopra (Indian actress with Australian ties)
- Mirabai (historical poetess from India)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2017 | 1 |
2016 | 2 |
2015 | 1 |