Meaning & History
Myranda is a variant of Miranda, a name derived from Latin mirandus meaning “admirable” or “worthy of admiration.” While Miranda was invented by Shakespeare for the heroine of The Tempest (1611), the alteration Myranda likely emerged as a phonetic or creative spelling variation, popularized in the 20th century alongside other elaborations. It adds a unique twist by replacing the “i” with “y,” giving the name a slightly different visual and sonic feel.
Notable Bearers
Myranda appears as a character in the television series Game of Thrones, based on George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. In the series, Myranda (played by Charlotte Hope) is a sadistic Bolton servant and lover of Ramsay Bolton, known for her cruelty toward captives such as Sansa Stark and Theon Greyjoy. This fictional bearer has lent the name a darkly memorable association in popular culture.
Outside fiction, Myranda remains a rare given name, most commonly used in English-speaking countries. Its similarity to Miranda helps it retain a familiar, melodic quality while offering distinction.
Related Names
Myranda is directly related to Miranda, as well as to the variant Marinda, and diminutives such as Randi and Randy. These forms share the Latin root meaning “admirable.” The name Miranda also belongs to a moon of Uranus, discovered in 1948 and named after the Shakespearean character, extending the name’s reach into astronomy.
- Meaning: Admirable; variant of Miranda
- Origin: Latin (via Shakespearean invention)
- Type: Given name (feminine)
- Usage regions: English-speaking countries