Origin: |
Lyra derives from the Greek lýra (λύρα) meaning "a lyre." Similar to a small harp, the lyre was an important instrument in Ancient Greece. It was used to accompany recitations of lyric poetry (the word lyric literally meant "singing to the lyre" in Greek) and was considered to have been invented by the god Hermes from a tortoise shell. Hermes gave this first lyre to Apollo (in some versions, it was in exchange for Apollo's cattle) who in turn gave it to, and taught, the great musician Orpheus whose music was so beautiful it could charm even inanimate objects. Since the at least the 2nd century AD, Lyra is the name given to a small constellation which is thought to look like a lyre. The Greeks and Romans considered this to be Orpheus' lyre and the Arabs regarded it as an eagle carrying a lyre. In Wales, it was traditionally known as King Arthur's Harp (Talyn Arthur). |
Famous Bearers: |
History: * Lyra Taylor (1894–1979), New Zealand social worker and lawyer. Contemporary: * Lyra Virna (born 1981), Indonesian actress. Literature and Other Media: * Lyra Belacqua, the main character in Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy. |
Variants: |
Lyrah; Lira (Spanish, Portuguese, Italian) |
Pronunciation: |
LĪ-rə [key] |
Possible diminutives: |
Ly, El (L), Lyre |
Sibling Names: |
Maia Nova Orla Ayla Cleo Eden |
Name Lists: |
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Thanks to Lisa for requesting this name.