Meaning & History
Mira is a feminine name of Indian origin, derived from the Sanskrit element mīra meaning "sea" or "ocean." The name is closely associated with the 16th-century mystic poet and princess Mirabai, a devotee of the Hindu god Krishna. Her life and devotional songs (bhajans) have made the name widely recognized across India.
Mirabai was a Rajput princess from the kingdom of Mewar (in present-day Rajasthan) who renounced her royal life to dedicate herself entirely to Krishna. Her poetry, written in the Bhakti tradition, expresses intense longing and love for the deity, and she is considered a saint in many Hindu sects. As a result, the name Mira carries deep religious and cultural significance in India, particularly among followers of Krishna.
Distribution and Usage
The name Mira is common in several Indian languages, including Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, and Tamil. In Kannada, the variant Meera is also used. While primarily a female name, it has occasionally been used as a masculine name, but this is rare.
- Meaning: Sea, Ocean
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Type: First Name
- Gender: Feminine
- Usage Regions: India (Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil)
- Related Name: Meera (Kannada variant)