Thyra is a Norwegian and Danish variant of Tyra. Tyra originates in Old Norse and probably means "like a thunder". Some sources suggest that it is ultimately derived from Thor, the Norse god of war, thunder and power. Other sources suggest, though, that it is a feminine form of Tyr, the Norse god of war and justice. The name Tyra was popularized by an African-American former model and a creator/host of America's Next Top Model, Tyra Banks.