Amira — Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Amira is the feminine form of Amir, both derived from the Arabic root for "commander" or "prince," the same root that gives English the word "emir." It's one of the most widely used Arabic names for girls across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, and has been gaining steady ground in the US.

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What Does the Name Amira Mean?

Amira means "princess" or, more literally, "female commander" or "ruler." It is the direct feminine counterpart to Amir, meaning "prince" or "commander," both from the Arabic root that also produced the English word "emir."

The Origin & History of Amira

Amira comes from classical Arabic and has long been used as both a given name and a title of respect for women of high standing. Its root, amara ("to command"), links it to Emir and Emirate, words that entered English through the same Arabic family.

Cultural Reach

Amira is widely used across the Arabic-speaking world, Turkey, Iran, and South Asia, and has crossed into broader Western use as parents are drawn to its meaning and clean, three-syllable sound.

Famous People Named Amira

Notable bearers include Amira Willighagen, the Dutch-South African singer who won Holland's Got Talent in 2013 at age nine, and Amira al-Taweel, a Saudi Arabian humanitarian and former princess known for her philanthropic work.

Nicknames & Variations

Common spelling variants include Ameera, Amyra, and Amirah. "Mira" works as a natural short form.

Is Amira a Good Name in 2026?

Amira continues to rise in the US as Arabic names become more mainstream, valued for its strong meaning, easy pronunciation, and cross-cultural familiarity.

Amira ranked #136 among US girls' names in 2024 SSA data, with 2,176 babies given the name.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Amira mean?

Amira means "princess" or "female commander," as the feminine form of Amir.

Is Amira an Arabic name?

Yes — Amira comes from classical Arabic, from the root amara, meaning "to command," the same root behind the word "emir."

How do you pronounce Amira?

It's pronounced uh-MEER-uh, with the stress on the second syllable.

Is Amira a popular name?

Yes — it ranks in the top 150 girls' names in the US and is one of the most widely used names across the Arabic-speaking world.