"watchful, alert"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Ira
Pronunciation: [ EYER-uh ]
Does Ira flow with your last name?
A watchful ancient name crossing all gender lines
Hebrew
American
Russian
Vintage
Minimalist
Strong
Literary
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Things to Know About This Name
- Traditionally a male name in Hebrew and Jewish cultural contexts; may cause some initial confusion outside the US
The Story of Ira
Ira comes from the Hebrew word meaning watchful or alert. In the Bible, Ira was one of King David's chief officers and mighty warriors (2 Samuel 20:26). While traditionally masculine in Hebrew and Jewish tradition, the name has increasingly been embraced for girls in English-speaking countries, riding the wave of gender-neutral vintage names that feel both literary and modern.
Ira is experiencing a quiet revival as parents seek short, vintage-feeling names that sound both literary and fresh. Ira Glass, the beloved public radio host, has kept the name in cultural consciousness, while its use for girls is growing as gender-neutral naming trends accelerate.
In Russia and Eastern Europe, Ira is the standard and very common nickname for Irina, derived from the Greek goddess of peace Eirene. In Hebrew and American culture it is historically male but increasingly given to girls, creating a rich cross-cultural naming identity.
Historical Record
Ira first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 3,250 babies have been named Ira in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ira is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,438 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Russia, Ira is one of the most common nicknames, typically short for Irina
- Ira Gershwin wrote the lyrics to Some Enchanted Evening, Someone to Watch Over Me, and I Got Rhythm with his brother George
Ira in Other Languages
Arabic
إيرا
Hebrew
עִירָא
Russian
Ира (nickname for Irina)
Popularity Over Time
#1,438
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Ira
I
Ira Glass
Entertainer
1959
American public radio personality and host of This American Life, one of the most listened-to podcasts in history
I
Ira Gershwin
Musician
1896
American lyricist who collaborated with his brother George Gershwin on landmark Broadway shows and Hollywood films
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Compare Ira with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,438
- Total SSA Count
- 154
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew American Russian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Ira
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Ira is also used as a boy name, ranked #978.
View Ira as a boy name →Similar Names
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Compare Ira with...
Same Origin Names (Hebrew)
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Old French (cadence) origin
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Celtic/Roman (Londinium) origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ira
What does the name Ira mean?
"watchful, alert" (from Hebrew). Ira comes from the Hebrew word meaning watchful or alert. In the Bible, Ira was one of King David's chief officers and mighty warriors (2 Samuel 20:26). While traditionally masculine in Hebrew and Jewish tradition, the name has increasingly been embraced for girls in English-speaking countries, riding the wave of gender-neutral vintage names that feel both literary and modern.
What is the origin of the name Ira?
Ira has Hebrew, American, and Russian origins. In Hebrew, it means "watchful, alert".
Is Ira a boy or girl name?
Ira is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1438. As a boy name, it is ranked #978. Ira is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Ira?
Ira is pronounced EYER-uh.
How popular is the name Ira?
Ira is currently ranked #1438 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Ira?
Popular middle name pairings include Ira June, Ira Rose, Ira Mae, Ira Claire, Ira Louise, Ira Belle, and Ira Josephine.
What are good sibling names for Ira?
Names that pair well with Ira as siblings include Ezra, Mira, Levi, Cora, Nora, Seth, and Sylvia.
How many syllables does Ira have?
Ira has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Ira a common or rare name?
Ira is an uncommon name, ranked #1438 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Ira
Ira is a girl name with Hebrew, American, and Russian origins . The name means "watchful, alert" in Hebrew .
Is Ira a boy or girl name? Ira is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,438 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #978. Ira is more commonly used as a boy name.
Ira is currently ranked #1,438 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Ira has 2 syllables and is pronounced EYER-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis