Meira vs Shira

Meira is a Hebrew girl's name meaning A beautiful name meaning 'one who shines' or 'giver of light.', while Shira is a Hebrew girl's name meaning A poetic name that means 'song' or 'poetry,' celebrating the melody of life. Shira is the shorter of the two at 2 syllables.

Meiraמֵאִירָה

/may-EE-rah/

Meaning
A beautiful name meaning 'one who shines' or 'giver of light.'
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Girl
Syllables
3
Letters
5
Nicknames
Meirah, Mayra, Maira, Mira, Meir, Myra
Loved
0 times

Meira is a feminine Hebrew name derived from the word 'me'ir', which translates to 'one who shines' or 'light-bringer.' It is the feminine form of the name Meir and shares its linguistic roots with the Hebrew word 'or', meaning light.

Full Meira name page

Shiraשִׁירָה

/SHEE-rah/

Meaning
A poetic name that means 'song' or 'poetry,' celebrating the melody of life.
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Girl
Syllables
2
Letters
5
Nicknames
Shirah, Sheera, Shiri, Shirit, Shir
Loved
0 times

Shira is a Hebrew name derived from the word 'shir', which translates directly as song, poem, or melody. In the Hebrew Bible, the term is famously used in 'Shirat HaYam' (Song of the Sea), representing an ancient expression of communal joy and gratitude.

Full Shira name page

How to choose between Meira and Shira

  • Sound: Meira runs to 3 syllables (/may-EE-rah/) and Shira to 2 (/SHEE-rah/). Shira pairs more easily with a longer surname.
  • Heritage: Both names share a Hebrew background, so neither leans further from your family's roots.
  • Nicknames: Meira shortens to Meirah, Mayra, Maira. Shira shortens to Shirah, Sheera, Shiri.
  • Usage today: The name is primarily used within Jewish communities and in modern Israel, often chosen for daughters born during Hanukkah, the festival of lights. The name is exceptionally common in modern Israel and within Jewish communities worldwide. It is frequently chosen to symbolize artistic expression, spirituality, and the celebration of life's harmony.

Meira vs Shira: common questions

Is Meira or Shira easier to pronounce?
Meira is said /may-EE-rah/ with 3 syllables, while Shira is said /SHEE-rah/ with 2 syllables. The shorter one is usually easier for young children to say.
What is the difference in meaning between Meira and Shira?
Meira means A beautiful name meaning 'one who shines' or 'giver of light.'. Shira means A poetic name that means 'song' or 'poetry,' celebrating the melody of life.
Which is more popular, Meira or Shira?
Meira and Shira are loved equally often by visitors here (0 each).