Lyra
Lyra is a girls' name of Greek origin meaning “lyre, constellation.” It ranked #435 in the United States in 2025. Lyra is the name of a constellation representing Orpheus's lyre in Greek mythology, containing the brilliant star Vega.
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how do you pronounce Lyra?
LYE-rah
where does the name Lyra come from?
From the Greek and Latin word for lyre, and the name of the constellation that represents the instrument.
Philip Pullman chose it for his heroine Lyra Belacqua in His Dark Materials, giving the name literary depth alongside its astronomical beauty. It has risen dramatically in popularity, combining celestial wonder with musical harmony.
how popular is this name?
Lyra has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 11 years since 2015. It peaked at #435 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #435 |
| 2024 | #482 |
| 2023 | #482 |
| 2022 | #496 |
| 2021 | #489 |
| 2020 | #549 |
| 2019 | #673 |
| 2018 | #681 |
| 2017 | #724 |
| 2016 | #921 |
| 2015 | #978 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Lyra fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Lyra
The name has recently risen in use thanks to Lyra Belacqua, the heroine of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy and its adaptations.
who are famous people named Lyra?
- Lyra Belacqua (protagonist of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials)
- Lyra McKee (Northern Irish journalist)
what names are similar to Lyra?
what names go well with Lyra?
Sibling names that share Lyra's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Lyra
What does the name Lyra mean?
Lyra means “lyre, constellation”.
What is the origin of the name Lyra?
Lyra comes from the Greek naming tradition.
How popular is the name Lyra?
Lyra ranked #435 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data.
Is Lyra a boy or girl name?
Lyra is primarily a girls' name.
How do you pronounce Lyra?
Lyra is pronounced LYE-rah, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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