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Home › Baby Names Directory › Athira

Athira

♀ Girl

Pronounced uh-THEER-uh /əˈθɪər.ə/Medium

Meaning: Athira is an Indian (especially Malayalam/South Indian) girl's name from Sanskrit, glossed as 'quick; swift', and also tied to Ardra/Athira, a nakshatra (lunar mansion) linked to the star Betelgeuse in Orion. It reads bright and celestial.Low

In 30 seconds: A bright star name: Athira means 'quick; swift' and marks a star of Orion (said 'uh-THEER-uh'). Celestial and Indian.
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Origin MediumSanskrit, Indian
MeaningAthira is an Indian (especially Malayalam/South Indian) girl's name from Sanskrit, glossed as 'quick; swift', and also tied to Ardra/Athira, a nakshatra (lunar mansion) linked to the star Betelgeuse in Orion. It reads bright and celestial.
U.S. rank (2025)#8425 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births12 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 132

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201720132025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

As a girl's name, Athira is a Sanskrit/Malayalam name meaning 'quick; swift', also linked to a star-mansion in Orion. It reads celestial and gentle (said 'uh-THEER-uh').

It appears only rarely for girls in the U.S. Rare, celestial, and Indian.

Did you know? Athira is a Sanskrit name glossed as 'quick; swift' and tied to a nakshatra (lunar mansion) linked to a star in Orion — a bright, celestial pick, well loved in South India (said 'uh-THEER-uh').
Overall data confidence 48%
References — Athira — Sanskrit/Malayalam 'quick; swift'; nakshatra star link

Variations

AdhiraAtheeraAthiraa

Nicknames

AthiIraThira

Famous Bearers

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If you like Athira…

Adhira— a near-twin Sanskrit spelling
Amara— a like flowing Indian pick
Anika— a like soft Sanskrit name
Aditi— a like celestial Indian choice

Explore names like Athira

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By meaningLightMoonStarSky / Heaven

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Athira mean?

Athira means 'quick; swift' in Sanskrit and is tied to a star-mansion linked to Orion — celestial and Indian.

How do you pronounce Athira?

It's said uh-THEER-uh /əˈθɪər.ə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Athira a boy or girl name?

Athira is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Athira?

Athira is a rare name for girls in the U.S.

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