Origin
Derived from the Latin 'mīra', meaning 'wonder' or 'amazing'. The name has historical usage in various cultures, including Greek and Slavic, but its adoption in Australia is predominantly modern, often associated with themes of beauty and wonder. It is also used in literary and artistic contexts within Australia.
Meaning
Literal translation as 'wonder' or 'admirable'. In the Australian context, it often connotes something beautiful, delicate, or inspiring, aligning with the cultural emphasis on nature and aesthetic appreciation.
Pronunciation
/ˈmɪərə/ (Australian English pronunciation: emphasis on the first syllable; 'MEE-rah') with a schwa sound in the final syllable, commonly used in Australian speech.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Mira (original Latin and modern English)
- Myra (alternative spelling, rooted in Latin and Greek)
- Meera (common in Indian and South Asian contexts)
Nicknames
- Miri
- Mira-Bie
- Mimi
Name Days
- 20 June (Roman Catholic Feast of Saint Silverius)
- 15 August (Feast of the Assumption, occasionally associated with Marian names like Mira in Catholic tradition)
- Note: No specific Australian Indigenous or M01ori cultural celebrations associated directly with the name Mira.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with mira:
- Charlotte and Mira
- Emma and Mira as sibling names
- Lily and Mira for a floral theme
Fun Facts
- Mira is also the name of a popular Australian-made glass art brand.
- The name gained popularity in Australia during the 1990s and early 2000s, influenced by international naming trends.
- In astronomy, Mira is the name of a famous variable star in the constellation Cetus, reflecting the name's association with wonder.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name mira:
- Creative
- Delicate
- Inspiring
- Elegant
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a soft, flowing visual quality, which is often considered aesthetically pleasing in Australian design and typography, aligning with contemporary tastes for minimalist and gentle wordforms.
Geographical Distribution
Commonly used across urban and suburban centres in Australia, with a slight preference in more progressive or artistic communities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Numerological Significance
Name number 3, associated with creativity, communication, and expressiveness, fitting for a lively and artistic personality as perceived in numerology.
Astrological Connections
Often associated with the zodiac sign Pisces, symbolising intuition and compassion. People named Mira are often considered to have a poetic and empathetic nature.
Historical Context
While not historically prominent in Australian history, the name Mira has gained cultural traction through artistic and literary circles. It is also associated with the romanticised idea of wonder and natural beauty, themes prevalent in Australian storytelling and poetry.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts smoothly into various languages, maintaining its sound and essence. It is easily transcribed into scripts like Cyrillic, Greek, and Devanagari, reflecting its global usage.
Famous People Named mira
- Mira Sorvino (actress, although American, popular in Australian media)
- Mira Jacob (author, known in literary circles)
- The star Mira (astronomy)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 2 |
2017 | 1 |
2016 | 6 |
2015 | 5 |
2014 | 3 |