Ira Unisex

Popularity: #695 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationEYE-rah / /ˈaɪ.rə/

Hebrew; Irish

Meaning

Hebrew: 'watchful'; Irish: 'hero'

Historical & Cultural Background

In Hebrew tradition, Ira is often associated with watchfulness and vigilance. It has also been used in Irish culture, where it signifies a heroic nature. The name has been borne by various notable figures throughout history. Its usage spans different cultures, reflecting a blend of meanings and significance.

Trend Summary

The name Ira has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable presence in the early to mid-20th century.

Similar Names

IraidaIreneIsaIvoIlanIrisIlyaIsla

Variants

  • Irah

International Variants

  • Ira (Spanish)
  • Ira (Russian)

Famous people named Ira

Ira Gershwin was an American lyricist known for his collaborations with his brother George Gershwin.

Ira Glass is an American public radio personality, known for hosting the radio program 'This American Life'.

Ira Levin was an American author and playwright, famous for his novels such as 'Rosemary's Baby'.

Ira C. Eaker was a United States Army general who played a significant role in World War II.

Fictional characters named Ira

Ira is a character in the animated series 'The Amazing World of Gumball', known for his quirky personality.

Ira is a character in the video game 'Final Fantasy IX', serving as a minor character in the storyline.

Sibling Suggestions

IsaacEliNoahLeviMicahAsher

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Ira was first seen in the United States in 1880. Ira has ranked as high as #453 nationally, which occurred in 1947, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Georgia, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Ira has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Ira (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 20
13%
TX 18
12%
PA 16
10%
NY 13
8%
MO 10
6%
IN 9
6%
OK 8
5%
MI 8
5%
MN 7
5%
VA 7
5%
NC 7
5%
GA 7
5%
OH 7
5%
OR 6
4%
FL 6
4%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880249
1881286
1882244
1883239
1884284
1885235
1886198
1887215
1888222
1889207
1890209
1891179
1892231
1893181
1894206
1895207
1896190
1897180
1898195
1899138
1900218
1901142
1902156
1903167
1904144
1905169
1906151
1907196
1908196
1909175
1910233
1911236
1912394
1913479
1914605
1915812
1916820
1917857
1918862
1919817
1920829
1921878
1922792
1923831
1924834
1925788
1926785
1927792
1928728
1929654
1930702
1931619
1932661
1933579
1934570
1935550
1936501
1937576
1938554
1939526
1940625
1941604
1942760
1943618
1944613
1945659
1946780
1947884
1948823
1949790
1950797
1951811
1952760
1953728
1954708
1955681
1956703
1957637
1958605
1959596
1960599
1961552
1962501
1963415
1964419
1965408
1966399
1967374
1968334
1969411
1970349
1971337
1972347
1973317
1974276
1975322
1976264
1977306
1978307
1979282
1980282
1981276
1982256
1983233
1984211
1985161
1986197
1987176
1988148
1989158
1990151
1991148
1992129
1993109
1994109
1995112
1996123
1997108
199896
199999
2000101
200188
2002137
2003105
2004107
200594
2006102
2007111
200898
2009127
2010131
2011110
2012150
2013156
2014160
2015199
2016218
2017214
2018216
2019251
2020288
2021301
2022288
2023266
2024230