Lyra | Name Meaning & Origin

Literary Characters Names, Greek Names, Uncommon Names, Unusual Names, Cool Names

English speaking countries

This name comes from the Greek 'lyra', meaning 'lyre' (a small harp used by the ancient Greeks). Lyra is the name of a small constellation which, according to Greek mythology, was shaped after the lyre of the legendary poet Orpheus. Its main star, Vega, is the fifth brightest in the sky. The name is rarely used today, but belongs to the heroine in Philip Pullman's popular 'His Dark Materials' trilogy. The first book (titled Northern Lights in the UK, The Golden Compass in the US) has been made into a film.