Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Kira has roots in both Japanese and Russian cultures, meaning 'light' or 'purity.' Its evolution includes forms such as Kira in Japanese and Ekaterina in Russian. The name is associated with traits of brightness and elegance, and it does not have biblical relevance. Kira gained popularity in the late 20th century and continues to be viewed positively in modern contexts.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkiːrə/
Origin
Japanese, Russian
Etymology
In Japanese, Kira can mean 'shining' or 'glittering,' derived from the word 'kirakira.' In Russian, it is a diminutive form of the name Ekaterina, which means 'pure.'
Meaning
light, purity
Language Evolution
Kira (Japanese), Кира (Russian), Ekaterina (Greek via Russian)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s in various cultures, particularly in Western countries, due to its use in popular media and literature.
Variants & Derivatives
Kira (Japanese), Kyra (Greek variant), Kiera (Irish variant)
Modern Popularity & Image
Kira is often perceived as a modern, stylish name that conveys brightness and elegance.
Famous People
Kira Kosarin, American actress and singer, Kira Knightley, English actress, Kira T. McMullen, American artist
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,396 peak births in 2005
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Hawaii
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (23 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 23 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 12589th of 16616 | 16 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 20187th of 24088 | 11 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 9204th of 9204 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3000th of 12526 | 288 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 953rd of 19264 | 2,147 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 411th of 27321 | 9,558 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 284th of 35406 | 18,086 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 381st of 30306 | 9,934 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
94.25% 2099th/2227 |
75.31% 1830th/2430 |
- |
67.10% 1862nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
33.71% 990th/2937 |
20.90% 728th/3483 |
42.44% 1493rd/3518 |
21.17% 856th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
10.69% 394th/3685 |
8.67% 388th/4475 |
9.84% 511th/5194 |
5.57% 352nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
5.76% 264th/4582 |
5.13% 265th/5164 |
4.42% 323rd/7313 |
3.27% 244th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
10.62% 423rd/3984 |
7.67% 344th/4487 |
7.93% 541st/6822 |
4.21% 264th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Hawaii across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, falling for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12589th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 20187th out of 24088 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 9204th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3000th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 953rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 411th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 284th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 381st out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.