Ira
Ira is a girl's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Watchful, vigilant, or full of light.
Origin and history
Ira is a name of Hebrew origin traditionally given to males, though it has seen steady usage for females in the United States. Derived from the Hebrew word for watchful or vigilant, it offers a distinct, short, two-syllable sound. In recent years, it has gained renewed interest among parents looking for vintage, minimalist names.
Popularity in the United States
7,125 babies in the United States have been named Ira since 1880. It ranks #1999 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1174.
States where it is most popular
- TX (24.8 %)
- GA (12.2 %)
- CA (10.7 %)
- AL (8.8 %)
- MS (8.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 172 |
| 1890-1900 | 255 |
| 1900-1910 | 359 |
| 1910-1920 | 652 |
| 1920-1930 | 900 |
| 1930-1940 | 657 |
| 1940-1950 | 657 |
| 1950-1960 | 553 |
| 1960-1970 | 318 |
| 1970-1980 | 191 |
| 1980-1990 | 151 |
| 1990-2000 | 96 |
| 2000-2010 | 131 |
| 2010-2019 | 980 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,053 |
Fun facts
- The name Ira comes from a Biblical Hebrew root meaning watchful or alert.
- While historically more common for males, Ira has consistently appeared in U.S. female birth records since late 19th-century tracking began.