Billy vs Ira

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Billy

Boy #1,051 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"resolute protector"

Origin: Old German via Norman French

Cultural Roots

English American Australian Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,051
Total SSA Count
210
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Bill, Bills

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Billy →

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

Billy Rank #1,051
Ira Rank #978

Ira is more popular, ranked #978 vs #1051 for Billy.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Billy ___

  • Billy Ray
  • Billy Joe
  • Billy Dean
  • Billy James
  • Billy Lee
  • Billy Gene

Ira ___

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

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Billy

Bobby Tommy Jimmy Johnny Betty

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 Billy or Ira more popular?

Ira is more popular, ranked #978 compared to Billy at #1051 in the United States.

What do Billy and Ira mean?

Billy means "resolute protector" (Old German via Norman French origin). Ira means "city of God (alternate interpretation)" (Hebrew origin).

Are Billy and Ira boy or girl names?

Billy is primarily a boy name. Ira is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

Ira vs Billy Billy vs Atharv Billy vs Isa Billy vs Stanley Billy vs Ayman
← Full profile: Billy ← Full profile: Ira Browse all baby names