Home › Baby Names Directory › Elmira
Elmira
Pronounced el-MY-rah /ɛlˈmaɪ.rə/Medium
Meaning: Variously from Arabic amira, 'a princess; noble; admirable', and an English place/literary name (Elmira, New York; a character in Voltaire); routes layeredLow
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
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
Elmira comes variously from Arabic amira, 'a princess; noble; admirable', and from an English place/literary name (Elmira, New York; a character in Voltaire's plays; routes layered, which we note). A lyrical, classic name (said 'el-MY-rah'; nickname Mira).
In the U.S. it appears as a vintage name. Rare today, noble-and-admirable at the root, and classic.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- Famous bearers coming soon.
If you like Elmira…
Explore names like Elmira
Frequently Asked
What does the name Elmira mean?
Elmira is variously linked to Arabic amira ('a princess; noble') and to a place/literary name; the routes are layered.
How do you pronounce Elmira?
It's said el-MY-rah /ɛlˈmaɪ.rə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.
Is Elmira a boy or girl name?
Elmira is a girl's name.
How popular is Elmira?
Elmira is a rare name in the U.S.













