All about the name

Myrna

Female

« Myrna is a Latin-derived name meaning 'worthy of admiration' or 'deserving of wonder', popularized by actress Myrna Loy. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Myrna is a name of Latin origin, derived from the word "mirandus," which means "worthy of admiration" or "deserving of wonder." It is often associated with the Latin phrase "Miranda ad nos," meaning "wonderful to behold." The name Myrna gained popularity in the early 20th century due to the success of the silent film actress Myrna Loy. Born Myrna Williams in 1905, she adopted the stage name Myrna Loy and became famous for her roles in films such as "The Thin Man" series and "The Best Years of Our Lives." Her fame helped to popularize the name among parents looking for unique and distinctive names for their daughters. While Myrna may not be a common name today, it has been used consistently throughout history. In literature, there is a character named Myrna in George Eliot's novel "Middlemarch," published in 1871-72. Additionally, the author Myra Levy chose to spell her own name as Myrna when she published her works. Overall, Myrna is a name with a rich history and a unique origin that has been associated with admiration and wonder throughout time. Its association with notable figures such as Myrna Loy further adds to its allure and mystique.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Myrna since 1880

Total births
31,691
Total since 1880
Peak year
1938
1,801 births
in 2023
11
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+5%
vs previous 5 years