Syra is a unique and captivating female name of Greek origin. Derived from the ancient Greek word "syros," which means "rocky" or "island," Syra was traditionally used to describe someone who came from an island or had a strong and steadfast character, much like the rocky terrain of the Greek islands.
The use of the name Syra is not as widespread as some other Greek names, but it has been used throughout history. In ancient Greece, Syra was occasionally used as a given name for girls. However, its usage became more prominent in the Middle Ages when it was adopted by some Byzantine Empresses and noble women.
One notable figure associated with the name Syra is Saint Syra, a Christian martyr from the 4th century who is venerated by the Orthodox Church. Not much is known about her life, but her story adds another layer to the historical significance of this unique name.
Today, Syra continues to be used as a given name for girls, particularly in Greece and among those with Greek heritage. It remains a distinctive choice for parents looking for a name that combines elegance and rarity. Despite its lesser-known status, Syra has a rich history and meaningful origin that sets it apart from other names.
The name Syra has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past three decades in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration's data on popular baby names, there were only five births each year with the name Syra between 1988 and 1996.
However, starting from 1997, the number of births began to increase steadily. There were ten births in 1997, rising to twelve in 1998. This upward trend continued into the new millennium, with nineteen births in 2008 and twenty-one births in both 2010 and 2011.
The highest point of popularity for the name Syra was reached in 2021 and 2022, with a total of twenty-six births each year. This significant spike in popularity indicates that more parents are choosing this unique name for their daughters.
Overall, from 1988 to 2023, there have been a total of 387 babies named Syra born in the United States. This figure demonstrates the growing appeal of the name over time.