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Home › Baby Names Directory › Myrna

Myrna

♀ Girl

Pronounced MER-nah /ˈmɜːr.nɑ/Medium

Meaning: An anglicized form of the Irish Muirne, 'beloved; tender; high-spirited.' Popularized in the early 1900s, notably by actress Myrna Loy.Medium

In 30 seconds: A vintage Irish name: Myrna means 'beloved; tender' (said 'MER-nah'). Soft and classic.
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Origin MediumIrish
MeaningAn anglicized form of the Irish Muirne, 'beloved; tender; high-spirited.' Popularized in the early 1900s, notably by actress Myrna Loy.
U.S. rank (2024)#11795 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births8 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1938
Total births (all-time)≈ 31,700

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 193818852024

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

Myrna anglicizes the Irish Muirne ('beloved; tender; high-spirited'). It rose in the early 1900s, carried by actress Myrna Loy, and today reads as a soft vintage classic. Rare in the U.S. now (said 'MER-nah').

In the U.S. it appears rarely, with an early-1900s vintage feel. Rare, soft, and classic.

Did you know? Myrna is an anglicized form of the Irish Muirne ('beloved; tender; high-spirited'), made famous by golden-age actress Myrna Loy (said 'MER-nah').
Overall data confidence 55%
References — Myrna — Anglicized Irish Muirne 'beloved; tender'

Variations

MernaMirnaMuirne

Nicknames

MyNana

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Myrna…

Merna— a spelling variant of the same name
Mirna— a like spelling of the same name
Lorna— a like soft vintage -na name
Verna— a like early-1900s vintage pick

Explore names like Myrna

By themeheritageirishvintagesoft
By meaningLoveGentle / Kind

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Myrna mean?

Myrna is an anglicized form of the Irish Muirne, 'beloved; tender; high-spirited.'

How do you pronounce Myrna?

It's said MER-nah /ˈmɜːr.nɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Myrna a boy or girl name?

Myrna is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Myrna?

Myrna is a rare name in the U.S.

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