Megaira

Megaira is the original Greek form of the Latinized name Megaera, derived from the Greek verb μεγαίρω (megairo) meaning "to grudge." In Greek mythology, Megaira was one of the three Erinyes, or Furies, along with Tisiphone and Alecto. The Erinyes were chthonic deities of vengeance, often depicted as terrifying women with snakes for hair, who pursued those guilty of crimes like murder, perjury, and filial impiety.According to the Bibliotheca Classica, Megaira was the daughter of Nyx (Night) and Acheron (a river of the underworld). An alternative genealogy describes all three Furies—along with the Meliae (ash-tree nymphs)—as springing from the blood of Uranus when his son Cronus castrated him.

Cultural Significance

The name Megaira has entered several European languages as a common noun meaning a shrewish or ill-tempered woman. Examples include French mégère, Italian megera, Portuguese megera, Modern Greek μέγαιρα, Russian мегера, and Swedish megära. It is not to be confused with Megara, the mortal wife of Heracles.

Namesakes

The minor planet 464 Megaira, discovered in 1901, was named in her honor.

• Meaning: "the jealous one" or "she who grudges"
• Origin: Greek mythology
• Type: First name, feminine
• Usage regions: Greece and classical studies