Myra

[JasonsJohn]

My partner and I are expecting a baby girl and we both like the name Myra. She would be named after my grandmother. My mother also used to listen to Myra Hess.

However, will the name cause some negative comments by older folk because of Myra Hindley who with her partner Ian Brady carried out the Moors Murders in the 1960s?

Myra was a common name in the UK years ago, but after 1966 when Hindley was convicted the popularity of it rapidly declined.

“In the early hours of the morning, Nellie gave birth to a healthy daughter whom she called Myra, a name that had been popular since the mid nineteenth century. A hundred years after it came into common usage, ‘Myra’ fell into sharp obscurity, a phenomenon entirely due to the deeds of the girl born that stifling night in the red-brick Victorian building in north Manchester.”

Carol Ann Lee, One of Your Own: The Life and Death of Myra Hindley

Mumsnet was mentioned in another book about the name Myra.

“A telling example of the vehemence and longevity public hatred of Myra Hindley is the following: the girl’s name “Myra,” relatively common in England prior to 1966, declined sharply in popularity thereafter. Such is the continuing infamy associated with the case that in 2008, on the well-known website for parents www.mumsnet.com, a thread was devoted to the topic: “I love the name Myra but does it have too many negative connotations?” The majority of the 75 responses said that the name was still too intimately linked to Hindley to be an appropriate choice for a new baby.”

Lisa Downing, The Subject of Murder: Gender, Exceptionality, and the Modern Killer, page 217.

There are few other lesser known Myras. Samantha Fox’s former partner was named Myra, Gok Wan’s mother is named Myra, etc. There’s also a Myra in Hollyoaks.

Although Myra was a common name prior to the 1960s, because there weren’t many famous people with the name, after Hindley gained press attention and was convicted, the name became associated with her which is why fewer babies were named Myra after the 1960s.

But it’s now the 2020s and we both love the sound of the name and it’s a name that has a family connection.

What does everyone think?

I’m in my 30s and I would immediately think “Hindley”, thought I wouldn’t say anything.

I think everyone who’s past a certain age will associate it with Myra Hindley but young people won’t. It’s tricky. And it will depend on where you live too.
I’m 46 and I certainly think it had negative associations because I’m from the area of the Moors Murders and of an age to remember it being in the news.
Should I live in Surrey for example, there might not be be so much resonance with the name.

My first thought was Hindley, sorry OP.

I really like it although there is obviously the Hindley connection (I'm late 30s) but I associate is more with Myra McQueen on Hollyoaks!

How about Marla instead?

On the plus side there wouldn't get many other Myras in her class.
Adolf is still not a popular first name!

In my late twenties and I immediately think of Myra Hindley. Personally I would avoid it, though I don’t think it’s like using Adolph. People will probably notice, but then just get used to it. Just whether you (and later your daughter) want to have to deal with that every time she is introduced.

Objectively as a name I like it, the sound of it.
But it instantly makes me think of the Moors Murderers. I couldn’t name a child that.

I'm sorry - early 40's and first thought was Myra Hindley too.

What about Lyra?

No. Myra Hindley. Just no.

Unfortunately it’s the Swedish word for “ant”. I realise your lovely daughter is unlikely to be affected by this, but it’s the first thought I had. I do like the sound of it in English though.

I think naming a girl Myra would be similar to calling a boy Adolph.

(or even Adolf)

I’m sorry, I really do think it’s inextricably linked with the murderer. I’m in my 30s and Hindley immediately sprang to mind. Maya is a pretty alternative?

No, don't do it. The associations are horrific.
Lyra, or Maya or Mia are all lovely.

Myra Hindley has not been dead long enough to slip from people's memories . Was it not 2008 that she eventually died . I am old enough (52) to remember her failed attempts for release . I think as long as people remember her being alive the mud will stick to Myra.

It’s hard to get past the association really, and I don’t just think that’s for the older generations, I’m in my early 30s and that’s my immediate thought when I hear the name.
Lyra is lovely as a PP has suggested, would you consider that instead?

Myra will be tainted forever.

I’m in my twenties and immediately thought ‘Hindley’ so I’m afraid your theory of it just reminding older people of that particular person falls rather flat.
Shame tho, it’s a nice name when you consciously separate it from the association.

** I think naming a girl Myra would be similar to calling a boy Adolf”

^This. Plus it is an ugly name anyway

It’s not just people of a certain age that will have the association true crime podcasts , books , series , websites are all increasingly popular for people of all ages

Moira has a rounder sound. There was a pianist Moira Lister.

My first thought was Hindley too. She has been dead nearly 20 years (2002) and still that’s the first thought and will be for most. I was born 13 years after she was convicted and it’s a no.

I don’t think Myra is useable, still just brings to mind photograph of Myra Hindley.

I did like the name Mirah, after reading Daniel Deronda with character Mirah Lapidoth. Feels like a different name because of spelling, though appreciate it sounds the same! Also knew an Amira (pronounced A-Myra) from nursery which didn’t have same connotations but sounds similar.

I’m mid 30s and foreign and still think Hindley. Sorry.

No it’s horrible for obvious reasons.