The rare name Milira first appeared in the U.S. baby name data in 1990:
- 1992: unlisted
- 1991: 16 baby girls named Milira [peak]
- 1990: 7 baby girls named Milira [debut]
- 1989: unlisted
- 1988: unlisted
It more than doubled in usage a year later, then dropped back below the 5-baby threshold.
Where did it come from?
New York-based R&B singer Milira Jones, known mononymously as Milira (pronounced mil-IE-ruh).
Milira’s self-titled debut album, released in June of 1990, featured her two most successful singles: “Mercy Mercy Me” (a “gently hip-hoppy version” of the Marvin Gaye classic) and “Go Outside in the Rain.” Neither one reached Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart, but both landed inside the top 40 on the Hot R&B Singles chart (peaking at #21 and #36, respectively).
Incidentally, one music reviewer began her critique of the album by calling attention to Milira’s name:
Milira — not to be confused with Malaria, Madonna, Martika or CBS recording starlet Mariah — hasn’t much of anything new to offer R&B fans, but what she does, she does professionally.
What are your thoughts on the name Milira?
Sources:
- Milira – Wikipedia
- Brown, Joe. “New Motown Acts Rev Up.” Washington Post 10 Aug. 1990.
- Wilker, Deborah. “Baker’s Jazzy Turn Ironically Lacking.” Sun-Sentinel 11 Jul. 1990.
- SSA