Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Meera originates from Sanskrit, meaning 'ocean' or 'sea'. It has evolved from Mīra and gained historical significance through the poet-saint Meera Bai. The name embodies traits of devotion and creativity, with no biblical relevance. It remains a popular choice in contemporary times, appreciated for its cultural depth.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmiːrə/
Origin
Sanskrit
Etymology
The name Meera is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Mīra', which means 'ocean' or 'sea'. It is also associated with the famous poet-saint Meera Bai, who was a devotee of Lord Krishna.
Meaning
ocean, sea
Language Evolution
Mīra, Meera
Historical Usage
Meera gained popularity in India primarily due to the influence of the poet-saint Meera Bai in the 15th to 16th centuries. Her devotion and poetry contributed to the name's cultural significance.
Variants & Derivatives
Mira, Meera Bai
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Meera is viewed positively and is associated with devotion, creativity, and cultural richness. It is commonly used in Indian communities and has gained some recognition in other cultures.
Famous People
Meera Bai, Meera Syal
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 222 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 24 US states, with strongest presence in New Jersey
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (8 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 8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 5779th of 19264 | 137 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3476th of 27321 | 460 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2424th of 35406 | 1,143 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1262nd of 30306 | 2,273 |
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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
66.41% 2972nd/4475 |
94.19% 4892nd/5194 |
52.15% 3294th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
49.59% 2272nd/4582 |
34.47% 1780th/5164 |
45.75% 3346th/7313 |
28.07% 2095th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
30.07% 1198th/3984 |
20.90% 938th/4487 |
22.91% 1563rd/6822 |
16.19% 1016th/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 New Jersey across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. 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 stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, too 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 Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5779th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3476th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2424th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1262nd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.