Kira (given name)

Kira or Kyra is a female name of Persian origins. It is the feminine form of Cyrus/Kyros, which has several possible meanings. The original Persian name Kûrush could mean "far sighted" or be related to the Persian word khur meaning "sun".

It could also be related to the Greek kyrios meaning "lord", therefore it can also be used as a female form of Cyril.

The etymologically unrelated Japanese name, romanized as "Kira", is common in Japan.

Kira is also an anglicized spelling of the Irish name "Ciara", which means "black" or "little dark one".

Use In Japanese Media

The Japanese name "Kira(キラ in katakana)" is common in the fiction of that language. The name literally means "light" or "shininess" and may be interpreted as implying that a given character is good. However, "Kira" is also a transliteration (キラー in katakana) of the English word "killer". Consequently the name acquires a double meaning, and may be used to indicate a character who has a good nature or intention, but kills people. Examples include Kira Yamato of Gundam SEED (a kindhearted boy who repeatedly kills enemies in war) and "Kira", the alias of Light Yagami of Death Note (who kills many criminals in order to create a "perfect world").