Myra
Myrrh bearer
Pronunciation: MY-ruh (/ˈmaɪərə/)
What does Myra mean?
In Greek mythology, Myra was the name of a city in Lycia, now modern day Turkey. Myra is also the name of a woman mentioned in the New Testament, who was a wealthy widow and a generous benefactor to the apostle Paul and the early Christian community in Jerusalem. The name Myra is derived from the Greek word 'myrrh', which was a valuable aromatic resin used for embalming and religious rituals. Myra is therefore associated with the giving of alms and acts of charity, as well as with the spiritual and sacred significance of myrrh in the Bible and early Christian tradition.
Myra in other languages & scripts
How to pronounce Myra
Numerology & personality
Exploration, Change, Freedom, Adventure
Spiritual & cultural context
Symbolizes generosity, charity, and devotion to the faith.
The name Myra was common during the Roman Empire and into late antiquity, and it was particularly popular in the Eastern Christian world. It is mentioned in several early Christian texts and documents, including a record of the donations given by the widow Myra to the Christian community in Jerusalem. The name Myra has also been given to several Christian saints, including a fourth-century bishop of Myra in Lycia, who is venerated as St. Nicholas and is best known for his legendary acts of generosity and gift-giving.
Scriptural & traditional roots
Saint connection: Saint Nicholas of Myra
Popularity of Myra by region
| Region | Country | Score | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | US | 49 | 2024 |
| Poland | PL | 57 | 2024 |
| Germany | DE | 58 | 2024 |