The name Kira is of Slavic origin, derived from the Greek name Kyrios, meaning "lord" or "master." It is a unisex name that has been in use since ancient times.

In Russian culture, Kira is a diminutive form of the name Kyrill, which is the Russian version of the Greek name Kyrillos. The name gained popularity in Russia during the Byzantine era, when the Cyrillic alphabet was introduced.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Kira can be found in the Old Church Slavonic language, which was used in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The name appears in several religious texts from the 9th and 10th centuries.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Kira. One of the earliest was Kira Georgievna (1909-1967), a Russian-born prima ballerina who danced with the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow.

Another famous Kira was Kira Muratova (1934-2018), a Ukrainian film director and screenwriter known for her avant-garde and unconventional style. Her films, such as "Brief Encounters" (1967) and "The Asthenic Syndrome" (1989), explored themes of alienation and social critique.

In the world of literature, Kira Navatskaya (1939-1991) was a prominent Soviet poet and translator. She was best known for her translations of works by Robert Frost and other American poets into Russian.

Kira Plastinina (born 1992) is a Russian fashion designer and entrepreneur who founded the Kira Plastinina fashion brand at the age of 16. Her brand became popular among young consumers in Russia and expanded to other countries.

Kira Yukiko Muratova (born 1980) is a Japanese voice actress known for her work in anime series such as "Naruto" and "Bleach." She has lent her voice to various characters in Japanese animation and video games.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have carried the name Kira, highlighting its enduring presence across various cultures and fields.