Deyanira
A girl's name of Greek origin with 1,950 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Deyanira has 1,950 recorded U.S. births across 62+ years, peaking at 201 in 1993. It occupies the space between “never heard of it” and “everyone has one in their class” — a name that feels personal without being obscure.
In the most recent SSA release, Deyanira ranks #11324 among U.S. girl names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Deyanira is a girl's baby name of Greek origin, the Spanish form of Deianira — meaning 'destroyer of men' or 'man-destroyer,' from the Greek dais (enemy, fighter) and anēr (man). In Greek mythology, Deianira was the wife of Heracles (Hercules), a figure of great passion and tragic consequence.
With nearly 2,000 births in SSA records, Deyanira is a well-established name in Latin American communities — dramatic in its mythological roots, beautiful in its Spanish pronunciation.
EtymologyShow more
Deyanira first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1962. Arriving in the 1960s, Deyanira appeared during a period when American naming was beginning to diversify beyond the traditional Anglo-Saxon and biblical pools.
Its Greek classification suggests a path from greek linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Deyanira was #2684 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #11324, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 46 | #10494 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 182 | #7875 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 502 | #3155 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 743 | #2241 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 266 | #3361 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 180 | #4049 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 31 | #6188 | — |
The Story of Deyanira
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1993, Deyanira is a Millennial-era classic. Girls named Deyanira are most likely born between 1983 and 2003.
How rare is Deyanira?
Only about 1 in every 450,000 babies born in 2024 was named Deyanira — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1962, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 1990s with 743 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Deyanira by the numbers
- Would fill 41 school buses
- Meeting one Deyanira per day would take 5.3 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(60 years, 1962–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 | #11324 |
| 2023 | 8 | #11450 |
| 2022 | 8 | #11471 |
| 2021 | 11 | #9126 |
| 2020 | 11 | #9099 |
| 2019 | 10 | #9927 |
| 2018 | 7 | #12830 |
| 2017 | 7 | #13071 |
| 2016 | 13 | #8520 |
| 2015 | 20 | #6295 |
| 2014 | 22 | #5843 |
| 2013 | 17 | #7138 |
| 2012 | 22 | #5956 |
| 2011 | 37 | #4020 |
| 2010 | 27 | #5148 |
| 2009 | 41 | #3815 |
| 2008 | 45 | #3600 |
| 2007 | 52 | #3260 |
| 2006 | 47 | #3424 |
| 2005 | 64 | #2641 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deyanira a boy's or girl's name?
When was Deyanira most popular?
How popular is the name Deyanira?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1962–2024