What does Myrna mean and where does it come from?
The name Myrna has Irish origins and has been associated with the word 'muirnín', which means 'beloved'. The name gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States, largely due to the American actress Myrna Loy, who was a prominent figure during the 1920s and 1930s. 'Myr
Cultural significance
Myrna has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.
Peak popularity
Reached #134 in 1938 — currently #1125 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Myrna?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Myrna?
Myrna works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Myrna Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Myrna Rose
Floral · soft ending
Myrna Mae
Sweet · timeless
Myrna Claire
French influence · crisp
Myrna Jane
Literary · strong
Myrna Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Myrna right now?
Holding steady — currently #1125 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1125 | 1,075 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1130 | 1,055 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1135 | 1,025 | ▲ up 5441 · +5929% births |
| 2020 | #6576 | 17 | ▲ up 1429 · +21% births |
| 2015 | #8005 | 14 | ▼ down 771 · -18% births |
| 2010 | #7234 | 17 | ▼ down 2857 · -45% births |
| 2005 | #4377 | 31 | ▼ down 846 · -16% births |
| 2000 | #3531 | 37 | ▼ down 737 · -14% births |
| 1995 | #2794 | 43 | ▼ down 692 · -31% births |
| 1990 | #2102 | 62 | ▼ down 422 · -10% births |
| 1985 | #1680 | 69 | ▼ down 479 · -37% births |
| 1980 | #1201 | 110 | ▼ down 215 · -12% births |
| 1975 | #986 | 125 | ▼ down 135 · -21% births |
| 1970 | #851 | 159 | ▼ down 210 · -32% births |
| 1965 | #641 | 234 | — |
The story of Myrna
Myrna has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. A total of 31,696 babies have received this name. Once ranked #694 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1125 in 2023. Myrna is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Myrna in 1938:
Myrna by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 30 | |
| 1890s | 112 | |
| 1900s | 246 | |
| 1910s | 967 | |
| 1920s | 1,937 | |
| 1930s ★ | 10,260 | |
| 1940s | 8,186 | |
| 1950s | 4,183 | |
| 1960s | 2,628 | |
| 1970s | 1,361 | |
| 1980s | 787 | |
| 1990s | 508 | |
| 2000s | 300 | |
| 2010s | 174 | |
| 2020s | 17 | |
What are good nicknames for Myrna?
What names sound and feel like Myrna?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Myrna also consider these
How is Myrna written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Myrna
What does the name Myrna mean?
Myrna means "Irish" — a name rooted in Ireland 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 Myrna?
Myrna is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Myrna?
Myrna originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland 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 Myrna?
Myrna is a two-syllable name pronounced M ER1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Myrna a common or rare name?
Myrna is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.