Lyra sits comfortably in the UK charts at #83 in 2024 — recognisable but not overwhelming. Your child may occasionally share their name.
Origin & Meaning
Greek — Lyre; the constellation Lyra
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UK Rank 2024
#83
US Rank #482
About the Name Lyra
Lyra is holding steady in the rankings at #83. It reached its peak of #78 in 2022 and has maintained consistent levels since — the hallmark of a name with lasting rather than trend-driven appeal. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1999. It has broken into the UK top 100 on 5 occasions, signalling genuine mainstream interest.
Etymologically, Lyra comes from Greek, where it means "Lyre; the constellation Lyra". Names with strong etymological stories tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles.
Lyra is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
In the US it sits at #482 — notably more popular in the UK than across the Atlantic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Lyra
Unlikely. With around 573 UK babies named Lyra per year, your child will almost certainly be the only Lyra in her class, and possibly the only one in the whole school.
Lyra has held a stable position around #83 for several years. It reached its recorded peak of #78 in 2022 and has maintained consistent levels since — suggesting lasting rather than trend-driven appeal.
The name Lyra has Greek origins and means "Lyre; the constellation Lyra". Names with clear etymological roots tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles and give children a story to tell about their name.
Notable people named Lyra include: Débora Lyra — Débora Lyra is a Brazilian actress, model and beauty pageant titleholder who won the Miss Brasil 2010 and represented her country at Miss Universe 2010, she...; Cristina Lyra — Cristina Lyra Fialho, known as Cristina Lyra, is a Brazilian sports and newscaster..
Lyra appears in the US top 500 at #482 in 2024 — moderately popular in America, though less so than in the UK.
573
UK babies named Lyra (2024)
~0.0
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~0.3
In a school of 600
↑ 9 places
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Lyra
Likely around 1 other Lyra in the class
UK Popularity (1999–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Lyra
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Débora Lyra is a Brazilian actress, model and beauty pageant titleholder who won the Miss Brasil 2010 and represented her country at Miss Universe 2010, she also worldwide winner of Miss Multiverse in 2014.
Carmen Lyra was the pseudonym of the first prominent female Costa Rican writer, born María Isabel Carvajal Quesada. She was a teacher and founder of the country's first Montessori school.
Lyra Catherine McKee was a journalist from Northern Ireland who wrote for several publications about the consequences of the Troubles. She also served as an editor for Mediagazer, a news aggregator website.