Alistair vs Ira

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Alistair

Boy #910 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"defender of men"

Origin: Greek

Cultural Roots

Scottish British Australian Canadian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#910
Total SSA Count
257
Syllables
3
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Al, Ali, Aly

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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Ira

Boy #978 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"city of God (alternate interpretation)"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

Jewish American British

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#978
Total SSA Count
230
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Ira →

Popularity Comparison

Alistair Rank #910
Ira Rank #978

Alistair is more popular, ranked #910 vs #978 for Ira.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Alistair ___

  • Alistair James
  • Alistair Hugh
  • Alistair Ross
  • Alistair Grant
  • Alistair Thomas
  • Alistair Stuart

Ira ___

  • Ira James
  • Ira Michael
  • Ira David
  • Ira Thomas
  • Ira Elliott

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Alistair

Hamish Rupert Angus Flora Catriona

If you choose Ira

Vera Saul Esther Leon Clara

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alistair or Ira more popular?

Alistair is more popular, ranked #910 compared to Ira at #978 in the United States.

What do Alistair and Ira mean?

Alistair means "defender of men" (Greek origin). Ira means "city of God (alternate interpretation)" (Hebrew origin).

Are Alistair and Ira boy or girl names?

Alistair is primarily a boy name. Ira is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Alistair ← Full profile: Ira Browse all baby names