UK girl's name
Monira
A feminine Arabic name meaning "brilliantly shining light".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2024. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Monira is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Monira popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #5891, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 1996, with 6 births.
This profile covers 21 England and Wales registrations across 6 recorded years from 1996 to 2024. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 50% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 21 living people in the UK are called Monira. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2025 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Monira ranked #5891 for girls in England and Wales in 2024, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 1996, when 6 girls were registered as Monira.
- • About 21 living people in the UK are estimated to have Monira as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#5891
2024
Births in 2024
3
Latest year
Peak year
1996
6 births
Estimated living
21
2026
Meaning
What does Monira mean?
The name Monira is believed to have originated from the Arabic language, with its roots tracing back to the Middle East and Islamic culture. It is a feminine name derived from the Arabic word "nur," which translates to "light" or "illumination." The name carries a strong symbolic meaning, representing brightness, radiance, and enlightenment.
One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Monira can be found in ancient Arabic literature and poetry, where it was often used to describe the beauty and radiance of a woman. In Islamic tradition, the name holds a spiritual significance, as it is associated with the concept of enlightenment and the pursuit of knowledge.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Monira. One of the earliest recorded instances was Monira al-Qurashiyya (born in the 7th century), a renowned Arabian poet and scholar during the early Islamic era. Her poetic works were highly acclaimed and celebrated for their depth and eloquence.
Another prominent figure was Monira Khalil (1890-1964), an Egyptian feminist and activist who played a pivotal role in the fight for women's rights and social reform in Egypt. She was a pioneering figure in the Arab world, advocating for education, equal rights, and the empowerment of women.
In the realm of literature, Monira Munir (1914-2003) was a celebrated Pakistani writer and poet. Her works, which often explored themes of love, spirituality, and the human experience, earned her widespread recognition and numerous literary awards.
Monira Rahman (1935-2022) was a prominent Bangladeshi academic and social activist. She dedicated her life to promoting education, women's empowerment, and human rights, earning her numerous accolades and honors for her tireless efforts.
Monira Al Qadiri (born 1983) is a contemporary Kuwaiti visual artist known for her innovative and thought-provoking installations and sculptures. Her works explore the intersections of culture, technology, and identity, and have been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums around the world.
These are just a few examples of remarkable individuals who have carried the name Monira throughout history, each leaving an indelible mark in their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of human culture and achievement.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Monira over time
The chart below shows babies named Monira registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1996 to 2024. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Monira, the clearest high point is 1996. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2024, compared with 6 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Monira by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Monira was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #5891 | 3 | 1 |
| 2010s | #5730 | 3 | 1 |
| 2000s | #5201 | 3 | 1 |
| 1990s | #3341 | 12 | 3 |
Related
Names similar to Monira
- Megan 70,884
- Mia 67,204
- Molly 47,734
- Millie 44,390
- Maisie 32,671
- Matilda 29,965
- Maya 26,445
- Madison 18,441
- Maria 17,304
- Mollie 15,914
- Martha 15,116
- Maddison 14,918
FAQ
Monira: questions and answers
How popular is the name Monira in the UK right now?
In 2024, Monira was ranked #5891 for girls in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Monira most popular?
The peak year on record was 1996, with 6 babies registered as Monira in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Monira?
A feminine Arabic name meaning "brilliantly shining light".
How many people are called Monira in the UK?
A total of 21 babies have been registered as Monira across the 6 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.