Find out how popular the first name Smyra has been for the last 6 years (from 2019 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Smyra by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Smyra is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Smyra.

The history of the first name Smyra

The name Smyra has its origins in ancient Greece, dating back to the 8th century BC. It is believed to be derived from the Greek word "smyrna," which referred to an aromatic plant used in perfumes and incense. The name was likely associated with this fragrant plant, symbolizing beauty and sweetness.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Smyra can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek poet Hesiod, who lived around 700 BC. He mentioned a figure named Smyra in his epic poem "Theogony," though the context and details are not entirely clear.

In the 4th century BC, a famous courtesan named Smyra lived in Athens. She was renowned for her beauty and wit, and was said to have been the lover of several prominent philosophers and statesmen of the time.

During the Byzantine era, the name Smyra was associated with the city of Smyrna, now known as Izmir in modern-day Turkey. The city was an important center of trade and culture, and the name may have been used by some of its residents.

In the 12th century, a Byzantine princess named Smyra was married to the Serbian ruler Stefan Nemanja, contributing to the spread of the name in the Balkan region.

Another notable figure with the name Smyra was a 16th-century Greek poet and scholar from Constantinople, known as Smyra Phokas. She was renowned for her poetic works and her contributions to the preservation of Greek literature during the Ottoman era.

Throughout the centuries, the name Smyra has remained relatively rare, but it has been used sporadically in various parts of the world, particularly in regions with Greek cultural influences or connections to the ancient Mediterranean world.

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 Smyra was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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