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Origin and meaning of the name Elmira

What is the origin of the name Elmira?

Elmira is a female given name of Persian origin, derived from the city of Elmira (also spelled Ilmar) located in Iran. The name means "abode of elms," referring to the many elm trees that grow in the area where the city is situated. The name gained popularity in the Western world due to its use by American author Edgar Allan Poe for his poem "Elmira."

Learn more about the origin of the name Elmira

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Elmira

Elmira is a feminine given name of Persian origin, derived from the city of Urmia located in Iran's Azerbaijan province. The city's original name was Ulubeya or Elmīya, which means 'place of elms' in reference to the numerous elm trees that grew there. Over time, the name evolved into the current form used for personal naming. Elmira has been a popular name worldwide, particularly among speakers of European languages, due to its exotic and romantic connotations. The name symbolizes the beauty and tranquility associated with the city and the elm trees, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughter.

Character traits associated with the name Elmira

Elmira is often associated with characteristics that suggest a strong and independent personality. She is known for her determination, resilience, and resourcefulness. These qualities are rooted in her ability to adapt and overcome challenges, making her an excellent problem solver. Elmira is also known for her intelligence and curiosity, which drive her to explore new ideas and seek out knowledge. She values honesty and integrity, and is known for being reliable and trustworthy. On the social side, Elmira is warm and friendly, with a charming sense of humor that makes her enjoyable to be around. However, she can also be reserved and private when necessary, demonstrating her ability to balance her social life with personal space. Overall, Elmira's character traits reflect a balanced blend of strength, intelligence, warmth, and independence.

Popularity of the name Elmira

Elmira is a name of Persian origin, meaning "abode of elm trees." It gained popularity in the 19th century due to its use by prominent figures such as the Russian author Ivan Turgenev in his novel "Fathers and Sons," where the character Elena Pavlovna Petrovna is named Elmira. The name has been used sparingly across various regions, with higher occurrences in Azerbaijan and Turkey due to cultural influences. In the United States, according to data from the Social Security Administration, Elmira ranked 7,485th in popularity for girls' names in 2020, down from a peak ranking of 391 in 1906. The name remains relatively uncommon but holds historical and cultural significance.

Famous people with the name Elmira

Elmira is a rare yet notable name, shared by several distinguished individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent figures is Elmira Bayrasli, an American journalist, author, and scholar who specializes in international relations and foreign policy. She co-founded the Women's Foreign Policy Group and has written extensively on global affairs for numerous publications.

In literature, Elmira Shelton (1835-1906) was a celebrated American novelist and poet known for her heartfelt and emotionally engaging works. Her novels, such as "The Story of a Soul" and "Lady Morgan's Tale," resonated with Victorian audiences and continue to be appreciated today.

Lastly, Elmira Baryamisheva (born 1996) is a professional tennis player from Uzbekistan who has achieved remarkable success in her career. She reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 28 in June 2021 and won the WTA Shenzhen Open doubles title in 2020, demonstrating her exceptional talent on the court.

Variations of the name Elmira

Elmira is a female given name that originates from Persian and Turkish, meaning "ocean" or "sea". It has been popularized in the Western world due to its use by famous individuals such as Elmira Toufiani, an American-born Iranian actress, and Elmira Bayrasli, a Turkish-American journalist.

In various languages and cultures, there are different variations of the name Elmira. Some of these include:

1. Alemara (Arabic)
2. Almire (French)
3. Almeria (Spanish)
4. Elmirra (Estonian)
5. Ellmyrja (Finnish)
6. Elmarie (Afrikaans and Dutch)
7. Elmaira (Hungarian)
8. Ilmari (Finnish, masculine form)
9. Almer (German, masculine form)
10. Almara (Bulgarian, Macedonian, Russian, Serbian, and Slovene)

These variations may have slight differences in spelling, pronunciation, or cultural significance but share the same roots as the original Persian and Turkish name Elmira.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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