The nameLyra
Lyra is the name of a constellation, the Lyre. Philip Pullman's heroine Lyra Belacqua made it a favourite in Britain.
- Girl's name
- Latin and Greek
Meaning
Lyra is Latin for "lyre", the stringed instrument. The constellation contains Vega, one of the brightest stars.
Origin
Latin and Greek.
History
Lyra Belacqua, heroine of His Dark Materials (from 1995), launched the name. It reached 70th place in England and Wales in 2025, its best rank since 1996.
Famous people named Lyra
- Lyra McKee, journalist
Popularity of the name Lyra
Lyra in the United States
Lyra was most popular in the United States in the 2020s, with 3,099 births over the decade, 42% of all recorded babies named Lyra. Its rise began around 2007, and it peaked in 2021. Half of all babies named Lyra in the United States were born before 2018, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 620 births a year on average, against 366 in the five years before.
Lyra in the United Kingdom
Lyra was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2020s, with 3,837 births over the decade, 56% of all recorded babies named Lyra. Its rise began around 2008, and it peaked in 2025. Half of all babies named Lyra in the United Kingdom were born before 2020, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 651 births a year on average, against 378 in the five years before.
Lyra in France
Sibling names for Lyra
Names from the same generation as Lyra, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Lyra? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Lyra with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Lyra side by side with the name of your choice.
Lyra in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lyra mean?
Lyra is Latin for "lyre", the stringed instrument. The constellation contains Vega, one of the brightest stars.
What is the origin of the name Lyra?
Latin and Greek.
Is Lyra a girl's or a boy's name?
Lyra is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Lyra?
In 2024, Lyra was the 482nd most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 638 births.
What are good sibling names for Lyra?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Clementine, Aurelia, Leona and Flora for a sister, Remy, Augustine, Ollie and Lionel for a brother.
Who are famous people named Lyra?
Lyra McKee, journalist.