שִׁירָה
Shira / Shira
“Song/poem”
Shira (שִׁירָה, Shira) is a Hebrew girl's name meaning “song/poem,” pronounced “shi-RAH.” From the Hebrew root שׁ-י-ר (shin-yod-resh) meaning 'to sing.' The noun שִׁירָה (shira) means 'song, poem, lyric.' It is the word used for the great biblical songs: Shirat HaYam (Song of the Sea), Shirat Devorah (Song of Deborah), and Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs).
| Hebrew | שִׁירָה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Shira |
| English Name | Shira |
| Meaning | Song/poem |
| Pronunciation | shi-RAH |
| Gender | Girl |
| Category | Modern Hebrew Names |
| Variants | Shir, Shirah, Shiri |
| Key Scripture | Exodus 15:1 |
Shira is the Hebrew word for 'song' — and in the Bible, song is never entertainment. It is theology set to music, the overflow of the human heart when ordinary words fail. The greatest Shira in Scripture is the 'Song of the Sea' (Shirat HaYam) that Moses and Israel sang after crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 15), a triumphant eruption of praise that became the template for all Jewish worship. The Hebrew Bible is saturated with song: the Psalms, the Song of Solomon, the songs of Deborah, Hannah, and Mary. To name a child Shira is to say that her life is a melody — that she carries within her the ancient tradition of turning experience into art, struggle into poetry, and faith into music.
Key Scripture: Exodus 15:1
“Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song (shira) to the LORD: 'I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted.'”
What Does Shira Mean in Hebrew?
From the root שׁ-י-ר (shin-yod-resh) meaning 'to sing.' The form שִׁירָה (shira) is a feminine noun meaning 'song' or 'poem/lyric composition.' Related words include 'shir' (song — masculine form), 'meshorer' (poet), and 'Shir HaShirim' (Song of Songs). The word encompasses both singing and poetic composition.
Shira in the Bible
While Shira is a modern name, the concept of shira permeates the Bible. The Song of the Sea (Exodus 15) is the Torah's greatest hymn. The Song of Deborah (Judges 5) is one of the oldest Hebrew poems. The entire Book of Psalms is a collection of 'shirim' (songs). In Jewish tradition, the Messiah's coming will be accompanied by a 'shir chadash' — a new song.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
In Jewish liturgy, the 'Song of the Sea' (Shirat HaYam) is recited daily in morning prayers, and the entire Shabbat before Passover is called 'Shabbat Shira' — the Sabbath of Song. Israel has a rich musical tradition, and naming a child Shira connects her to both ancient liturgy and contemporary Israeli music culture.
Shira is one of the most popular girls' names in Israel, consistently ranking in the top 20. Its musical quality and poetic meaning resonate with Israeli parents who value Hebrew language and culture. It's also gaining recognition internationally for its beauty and simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shira
What does Shira mean in Hebrew?
Shira (שִׁירָה, Shira) means “Song/poem” in Hebrew. From the Hebrew root שׁ-י-ר (shin-yod-resh) meaning 'to sing.' The noun שִׁירָה (shira) means 'song, poem, lyric.' It is the word used for the great biblical songs: Shirat HaYam (Song of the Sea), Shirat Devorah (Song of Deborah), and Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs).
How do you pronounce Shira in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Shira is “shi-RAH.” The name is written שִׁירָה in Hebrew script.
What does Shira mean in Hebrew?
Shira (שִׁירָה) means 'song' or 'poem' in Hebrew, from the root שׁ-י-ר (shin-yod-resh) meaning 'to sing.' It is the word used for the Bible's greatest songs: the Song of the Sea (Shirat HaYam), the Song of Deborah, and Song of Songs. The name captures the Jewish tradition of transforming faith, joy, and struggle into music and poetry.
Is Shira a popular name in Israel?
Yes — Shira is one of the top 20 girls' names in Israel and has been popular for decades. Its connection to Hebrew poetry, biblical song, and Israel's vibrant music culture makes it a beloved choice. The name perfectly expresses the Israeli ideal of living life as something worth singing about.
What is the Song of the Sea in the Bible?
The Song of the Sea (Shirat HaYam, Exodus 15) is the triumphant hymn Moses and Israel sang after God parted the Red Sea and destroyed the Egyptian army. It is one of the oldest and most important pieces of Hebrew poetry, recited daily in Jewish morning prayers. The song celebrates God as warrior, redeemer, and eternal king.
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
More Modern Hebrew Names
Explore other names in the Modern Hebrew Names collection
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