Amira

Arabic: princess; in the separate Hebrew derivation, connected with treetop.

Amira has two distinct roots. In Arabic, أميرة means “princess” and is the feminine counterpart of Amir. The Hebrew name Amira is also feminine, but it comes from Hebrew Amir, meaning “treetop.” The meaning that belongs to a particular person’s name depends on that naming tradition. For the Arabic name, Amira, Ameera and Amirah are different Latin spellings. The Arabic pronunciation places the emphasis on the long middle vowel: approximately a-MEE-ra. Ameera makes that vowel more visible to an English reader; Amira keeps the written form shorter. Neither choice changes the Arabic meaning. There is a pleasing contrast between Amira’s compact appearance and its unhurried central sound. It can feel gentle without becoming wispy, while the Arabic meaning adds a touch of ceremony. That combination may appeal if you like a name with presence but little ornament in its spelling.

Etymology: The Arabic feminine form of Amir. Hebrew Amira is independently formed from Hebrew Amir, meaning treetop; the shared Latin spelling does not give the two names the same meaning.