What does Elmira mean and where does it come from?
The name Elmira has Persian origins, meaning 'princess'. It gained some popularity in the Western world through its association with literature, appearing in works like Shakespeare's 'Othello' as an alternative form. The name has also been adopted in various cultures, including Arabic-speaking count
Cultural significance
Elmira has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Persia (Iran)-speaking communities, where it reflects values of princess.
Peak popularity
Reached #394 in 1887 — currently #9798 in the US.
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Related Reading
Persia (Iran)-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Elmira?
Elmira works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Elmira Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Elmira Rose
Floral · soft ending
Elmira Mae
Sweet · timeless
Elmira Claire
French influence · crisp
Elmira Jane
Literary · strong
Elmira Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Elmira right now?
Falling — down 1631 spots — currently #9798 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #9798 | 10 | ▼ down 1631 · -23% births |
| 2022 | #8167 | 13 | ▲ up 2814 · +63% births |
| 2020 | #10981 | 8 | ▼ down 2989 · -43% births |
| 2015 | #7992 | 14 | ▲ up 4280 · +75% births |
| 2010 | #12272 | 8 | ▼ down 3022 |
| 1990 | #9250 | 8 | ▼ down 4487 · -27% births |
| 1970 | #4763 | 11 | ▼ down 813 |
| 1965 | #3950 | 11 | ▼ down 1887 · -65% births |
| 1960 | #2063 | 31 | ▼ down 42 · +11% births |
| 1955 | #2021 | 28 | ▼ down 395 · -15% births |
| 1950 | #1626 | 33 | ▼ down 290 · -8% births |
| 1945 | #1336 | 36 | ▼ down 310 · -27% births |
| 1940 | #1026 | 49 | ▼ down 79 · -9% births |
| 1935 | #947 | 54 | ▼ down 66 · -19% births |
| 1930 | #881 | 67 | — |
The story of Elmira
Elmira has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 4,312 total births recorded, Elmira remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #477 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9798 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Elmira in 1887:
Elmira by decade
Elmira peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 211 | |
| 1890s | 308 | |
| 1900s | 389 | |
| 1910s | 819 | |
| 1920s ★ | 903 | |
| 1930s | 520 | |
| 1940s | 390 | |
| 1950s | 332 | |
| 1960s | 180 | |
| 1970s | 87 | |
| 1980s | 32 | |
| 1990s | 26 | |
| 2000s | 19 | |
| 2010s | 88 | |
| 2020s | 8 | |
💎With 4,312 total births, Elmira is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Elmira?
What names sound and feel like Elmira?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Elmira also consider these
How is Elmira written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Elmira?
Common questions about the name Elmira
What does the name Elmira mean?
Elmira means "princess" — a name rooted in Persia (Iran) tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Elmira?
Elmira is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Elmira have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Elmira?
Elmira originates from Persia (Iran) tradition. Persia (Iran) names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Elmira?
Elmira is a three-syllable name pronounced EH0 L M AY1 R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Elmira?
Elmira pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Persia (Iran) heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.