Ira

Pronunciation: [ EYER-uh ]

Girl Name #1,438 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A watchful ancient name crossing all gender lines

Hebrew American Russian

Vintage Minimalist Strong Literary

Meaning & Origin

"watchful, alert"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: English

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.

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)

Famous People Named Ira

Ira Glass

Entertainer

1959

American public radio personality and host of This American Life, one of the most listened-to podcasts in history

Ira Gershwin

Musician

1896

American lyricist who collaborated with his brother George Gershwin on landmark Broadway shows and Hollywood films

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

Pairs Well With

Ira June Ira Rose Ira Mae Ira Claire Ira Louise Ira Belle Ira Josephine

Sibling Names

Ezra Mira Levi Cora Nora Seth Sylvia

Also a Boy Name

Ira is also used as a boy name, ranked #978.

View Ira as a boy name →

Similar Names

Ida Ada Irene Iva Inez Myra Ila Era

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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.

Ira