What Does the Name Kyrie Mean?
Kyrie derives from the Greek kyrios, meaning 'lord' or 'master.' It is best known from the liturgical phrase Kyrie eleison — 'Lord, have mercy' — one of the oldest prayers in Christian worship, still sung in churches today.
A Name From Liturgy, Not Tradition
Unlike most given names, Kyrie didn't begin as an everyday personal name — it entered naming records directly from the language of worship and sacred music, giving it an unusually direct spiritual meaning compared to names whose religious sense developed over centuries.
Famous People Named Kyrie
The name is strongly associated with NBA star Kyrie Irving, who was named by his father directly after the liturgical term. Irving's prominence drove much of the name's growth among American parents from the mid-2010s onward.
Personality & Traits
Kyrie's meaning gives it a weight of reverence and leadership — a name that carries both spiritual depth and, through its best-known bearer, an association with skill and competitive drive.
Nicknames & Variations
Related spellings include Khyrie and Khyri. Common nicknames are Ky and Kai.