Find out how popular the first name Elyra has been for the last 4 years (from 2020 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Elyra by gender

Based on the last 4 years of data, Elyra is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Elyra.

The history of the first name Elyra

The name Elyra has its origins in ancient Greek culture, dating back to the 5th century BCE. The name is believed to be derived from the Greek word "elyros," which means "boundary" or "border." This suggests that the name may have been associated with individuals who lived in border regions or served as guardians of territorial boundaries.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Elyra can be found in the works of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus. In his writings, he mentioned an individual named Elyra who was a prominent figure in the city-state of Sparta during the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE). Unfortunately, no further details about this person's life or achievements have been preserved.

During the Hellenistic period (323-30 BCE), the name Elyra gained popularity among the Greek-speaking populations of the eastern Mediterranean region. Historical records from this era indicate that there were several notable individuals with this name, including Elyra of Crete, a philosopher who lived in the 3rd century BCE and was known for her teachings on ethics and virtue.

In the Roman era, the name Elyra was adopted and Latinized as "Elyria." One of the most famous individuals with this name was Elyria Paulina, a wealthy Roman woman who lived in the 1st century CE and was known for her extravagant lifestyle and impressive collection of pearls.

As the centuries passed, the name Elyra experienced a resurgence in popularity during the Byzantine Empire (330-1453 CE). One notable figure from this period was Elyra Comnena, a Byzantine princess and scholar who lived in the 12th century CE and authored several works on history and philosophy.

In more recent times, the name Elyra has remained relatively uncommon but has been used sporadically throughout various cultures and regions. Some notable individuals with this name include Elyra Gorton (1897-1988), an American artist and illustrator known for her works depicting Native American life, and Elyra Katsoulis (born 1958), a Greek-Canadian author and journalist.

It is worth noting that while the name Elyra has a rich historical lineage, it has remained relatively obscure compared to other names of Greek origin. However, its unique sound and connection to ancient civilizations have contributed to its enduring appeal and continued use throughout the centuries.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Elyra was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Elyra, please contact us.

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