The Baby Name Wizard

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Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Philyra!

Comments and insights on the name Philyra: | Edit

It's pretty. It's classic but could sound contemporary.

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Nicknames for Philyra: | Edit

Lyra.
Phil.
Lily.

Meanings and history of the name Philyra: | Edit

"Linden tree" in Greek. As far as I know, all the irritating sources saying it means "lover of music" are WRONG. They're probably taking the "phil" and saying that means love, and the "lyre" and going, well, lyres are musical, right? NO.

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Philyra in song, story & screen: | Edit

Philyra in Greek mythology was the mother of Chiron (wise old centaur). Unfortunately, as all centaurs are apparently male, her son's conception was a bit of a bad deal. In some versions of the myth, Philyra was horrible to her son and abandoned him at birth, later being changed into a linden tree as she was too ashamed to go on. In other myths, Philyra got over his horse legs after a point and helped him with all the kids that people kept sending off to be tutored. Which, I think, is the better version.