What does Mirah mean and where does it come from?
Mirah is derived from Hebrew and can also be considered a variation of the name 'Mira'. In Hebrew, it relates to brightness and light. This name has gained popularity in Jewish communities and is sometimes spelled as 'Mira'. Notable figures include the Holocaust survivor and writer Mirah Riben.
Cultural significance
Mirah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of פורן (puran).
Peak popularity
Reached #5442 in 1991 — currently #6581 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Mirah?
Mirah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mirah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Mirah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Mirah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Mirah Claire
French influence · crisp
Mirah Jane
Literary · strong
Mirah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Mirah right now?
Falling — down 194 spots — currently #6581 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #6581 | 18 | ▼ down 194 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #6387 | 19 | ▼ down 294 · -5% births |
| 2021 | #6093 | 20 | ▲ up 521 · +18% births |
| 2020 | #6614 | 17 | ▼ down 1138 · -29% births |
| 2015 | #5476 | 24 | ▲ up 2079 · +50% births |
| 2010 | #7555 | 16 | ▲ up 1402 · +33% births |
| 2005 | #8957 | 12 | ▼ down 338 · +9% births |
| 2000 | #8619 | 11 | ▼ down 1493 · -8% births |
| 1995 | #7126 | 12 | ▲ up 4463 · +100% births |
| 1990 | #11589 | 6 | ▼ down 5893 · +20% births |
| 1920 | #5696 | 5 | — |
The story of Mirah
Mirah entered American naming records in 1920 and has been in use for over 104 years. With 464 total births recorded, Mirah remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5696 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6581 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Mirah in 1991:
Mirah by decade
Mirah peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1980s | 14 | |
| 1990s | 103 | |
| 2000s | 124 | |
| 2010s ★ | 201 | |
| 2020s | 17 | |
💎Mirah has only 464 total recorded births since 1920 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Mirah?
What names sound and feel like Mirah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mirah also consider these
Common questions about the name Mirah
What does the name Mirah mean?
Mirah means "פורן (Puran)" — a name rooted in Israel 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 Mirah?
Mirah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Mirah?
Mirah originates from Israel tradition. Israel names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Mirah a common or rare name?
Mirah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Mirah?
Mirah naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.