Mira

Mira is a name used by both Slavic people and Hindus. From the first perspective, Mira is derived from the Slavic element “mir” meaning “world” or “peace” (put them together and you have whirled peas). For people of India, Mira or Meera (मीरा) comes from the Sanskrit meaning “sea, ocean” and was famously borne by a 16th century Hindu princess who selflessly dedicated her life to Krishna. Just as Catholic nuns consider themselves to be the wives of Jesus, Meera saw Krishna as her beloved husband. Her worship of him was nothing short of legendary, a devotion which caused her persecution and led to miracles that saved her. Princess Meera gained a following due to her unwavering commitment to Krishna, celebrated through poetry and song, and it is believed she ultimately attained immortality when she left the earthly plane to be with Krishna. Meera has come to personify the power and meaning of faith among Hindus. Aside from both of these very positive meanings behind the name, “mira” is also the Spanish word for “sight” and the Latin word for “wonderful”. For parents interested in astronomy, Mira “the Wonderful” is also the name given to the most famous variable star discovered about 400 years ago in the constellation Cetus (apropos, Cetus was a “sea” monster in Greek mythology). Today, Mira is most popular in the countries of Sweden and Hungary, but it’s also used with occasional frequency in Germany, Norway and the Netherlands.