Meaning & History
Meira is a Hebrew feminine name, the direct feminine form of the masculine name Meir. The root name Meir means “giving light” in Hebrew, a meaning that passes directly to Meira. It is not to be confused with the unrelated place name Meira in Galicia, Spain, which is a municipality in the province of Lugo.
The name appears without heavy biblical or medieval associations, as Meira is a modern coinage drawn from the masculine Meir, rather than an ancient figure. The male form Meir, however, was notably borne by a 2nd-century rabbi, which lends the name a prestigious Jewish scholarly heritage. Variants include Meirit, and masculine forms share the related name Meyer, which is a German and Ashkenazic variant or cognate.
From a cultural perspective, Meira fits within a pattern of modern Hebrew names formed by adding a feminine suffix to an existing masculine root, and it carries connotations of enlightenment, holiness, and divine light. The name is primarily used in Hebrew-speaking communities and among Jewish populations worldwide. It remains less common internationally but appreciates for its lyrical sound and positive meaning.