Lyra is a lovely female given name of Greek and Latin origin, meaning "lyre" or "harp". It is associated with the small constellation in the northern sky, which is home to the star Vega. The name carries connotations of music, harmony, and the night sky. It gained popularity due to the character Lyra Belacqua in Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, as well as the television and film adaptations. The name has seen increased usage in the United States and England, ranking among the top 500 most used names for newborn girls. Notable individuals bearing the name include Northern Irish journalist Lyra McKee, Brazilian musician Carlos Lyra, and American poet Lyrae van Clief-Stefanon. The name has also been used for various fictional characters in literature, comics, and video games.
Lyra Catherine McKee (31 March 1990 – 18 April 2019) was a journalist from Northern Ireland known for her impactful writing about the consequences of the Troubles. Beginning her journalism journey at a young age, she garnered recognition for her work, including becoming a trustee of Headliners, a charity that supported her in her early career. McKee's powerful storytelling and investigative reporting led to her being named one of Forbes magazine's "30 under 30 in media" in 2016. She was also an editor for Mediagazer, a news aggregator website. Tragically, McKee was fatally shot during rioting in the Creggan area of Derry in 2019. Her untimely death sent shockwaves through the journalism community and beyond, prompting widespread mourning and calls for peace. McKee's legacy continues through her posthumously published writing and the impact she made in her advocacy for uncomfortable conversations that can save lives. Her funeral was attended by prominent political figures and fellow journalists, reflecting the profound impact of her life and work.
Lyra Brown Nickerson (1886–1916) was an influential American philanthropist and a prominent member of Rhode Island society. Born into a wealthy family, she inherited a significant fortune and used her wealth to support various causes. She was deeply concerned about the lack of interest in aeronautics in the United States and donated funds to The American National Aeroplane Fund of the Aero Club of America. Her contributions played a crucial role in advancing military aviation and promoting the use of airplanes for peaceful and military purposes.In addition to her aviation interests, Nickerson was noted for her philanthropic endeavors. She donated her father's architectural library to the Providence Public Library and made substantial financial gifts to both the library and the Rhode Island School of Design. Her generous bequests upon her death further cemented her legacy as a dedicated supporter of education and the arts.Nickerson's impact extended beyond her financial contributions, as she also advocated for the proper equipment and support for the Rhode Island Aeronautic Corps, emphasizing the importance of patriotic assistance for the dedicated men serving in the corps.Her life was tragically cut short in 1916, but her legacy of philanthropy and dedication to advancing aviation and education continues to inspire others. Through her contributions and advocacy, Lyra Brown Nickerson left an indelible mark on the fields of aviation, education, and philanthropy, and her impact is still felt today.
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