Kira

KEER-ah

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The name Kira means “beam of light, dark-haired.” It comes from the English language tradition.

Kira has multiple etymological threads: from the Russian form of Cyrus (sun), the Irish Ciara (dark-haired), or the Japanese word for 'glittering.' This multicultural versatility has made it popular across many countries. The name has a sleek, modern sound with an edge of mystery and luminosity.

Wiktionary traces Kira to Kyra, ultimately from Cyrus (rendered Kūrūš), and separately describes it as a respelling of the Gaelic Ciara. Neither entry gives an English translation, so the "beam of light, dark-haired" meaning offered elsewhere is not directly confirmed, though it tracks the traditional readings of those two names.

Wikipedia describes Kira as a name of multiple origins used for both sexes, and notes it is a unisex given name in Japan; the source does not confirm a specific Japanese-language meaning of "glittering."

• Kira Knightley (variation of Keira Knightley's name, English actress)
• Kira Nerys (fictional character from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)

Sibling names that share Kira's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.