Girl
Persian / Greek
2 syllables
Kira
KEER-ah
/ˈkɪərə/
"The radiant one" — a name of light, power, and quiet authority
Kira is a name of multiple heritages, functioning as both a feminine form of the Greek Kyrios (lord) via the name Cyrus, and as an independent name in several Slavic cultures where it means 'mistress' or 'ruler.' In Japanese, Kira means 'glittery' or 'shining,' adding yet another layer of luminous meaning. The name has a sleek, modern feel combined with genuine ancient roots, making it equally at home in contemporary America and across the globe.
Quick Facts
Letters4
SyllablesKi · ra
GenderGirl
OriginPersian / Greek
Root WordKyrios / Kūruš
MeaningSun, lord, or far-sighted
PopularityPopular
Peak Year2006
Trend
→ Stable
Name DayMarch 13
Nicknames
KiKiri
About the Name Kira
Kira has several possible meanings depending on its linguistic origin. From Persian via Greek, it means 'sun' or 'lord,' derived from the name Cyrus. In Slavic languages it means 'mistress' or 'ruler.' In Japanese, kira means 'glittering' or 'shining.' Across all its roots, the name carries a sense of brilliance and authority.
Kira exists as a word in Japanese meaning 'glittery' or 'sparkling' (キラ), and is used as a name, most famously as the alias of the main character in the manga and anime Death Note. However, the name also has deep roots in Persian, Greek, and Slavic cultures, so it is genuinely multicultural.
Kiras are often described as confident, independent, and perceptive. The name carries an edge of quiet power—someone who leads by example rather than proclamation. People named Kira tend to be sharp-minded and self-reliant, with a magnetic quality that draws others toward them.
Kira has been a consistently popular choice in the United States since the 1990s, hovering in the top 300-400 range. It is well-known but not overly saturated, giving it a pleasant balance of familiarity and individuality.
Kira's short, crisp sound pairs well with longer, flowing middle names. Great combinations include Kira Elise, Kira Celeste, Kira Rosalind, Kira Simone, and Kira Evangeline. For a sharper pairing, Kira Jade or Kira Dawn work well too.
Kira has several distinct origins. It is used in Russia and Eastern Europe as a feminine form of Kir (from Greek Kyrios, meaning lord). It also derives from the Persian royal name Cyrus (Kūruš), meaning 'sun' or 'far-sighted.' Additionally, it functions as an independent name in several languages including Japanese, where it means sparkling.
Personality of Kira
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Kira
Creativity
78%
Elegance
82%
Independence
90%
Intelligence
86%
Strength
88%
Warmth
74%
Famous People Named Kira
K
Kira Knightley (Keira)
British actress known for Pirates of the Caribbean and Pride & Prejudice
K
Kira Kosarin
American actress and singer known for The Thundermans
K
Kira Reed Lorsch
American actress and producer
K
Kira (Death Note)
Iconic name used by the protagonist of the anime Death Note
Middle Names for Kira
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Kira
Kira Rose
Kira Ann
Kira Marie
Kira Jade
Kira Elise
Kira Celeste
Kira Dawn
Kira Noelle
Kira Renee
Kira Brooke
Kira Leigh
Kira Simone
Names Similar to Kira
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Kira
559 BC
Cyrus the Great founds the Achaemenid Empire, source of the Persian root
300 AD
Saint Cyra of Persia becomes one of the first feminine bearers of the name
1950s
Kira gains use as a given name in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union
1990s
Kira spreads into mainstream English-speaking naming culture
2003
Death Note's 'Kira' character introduces the name to a global anime audience
Numerology & Symbolism of Kira
3
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
1
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Aries
9
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Crimson
💎
Lucky Stone
Ruby
🌸
Lucky Flower
Sunflower
Kira Around the World
How Kira is written in different languages and scripts
كيرا
Arabic
キラ
Japanese
Кира
Russian
키라
Korean
基拉
Chinese
Κύρα
Greek
किरा
Hindi
קירה
Hebrew
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