gender neutral
Ira
watchful, vigilant
About Ira
A name that carries quiet strength and timeless elegance, Ira possesses an understated beauty that refuses to fade with passing trends. This short, sweet choice offers remarkable versatility—equally at home in professional settings and intimate family moments. The simplicity of its two syllables belies a sophisticated character that grows alongside its bearer, from spirited childhood through accomplished adulthood. Ira stands confidently without embellishment, requiring no nicknames or diminutives to make its mark. Parents seeking something distinctive yet pronounceable, memorable yet unassuming, will find Ira strikes that rare balance. The name flows smoothly with most surnames and pairs beautifully with longer middle names, providing structural harmony to any combination. Its brevity makes it easy for young children to learn and spell, while its crispness ensures it never feels juvenile or outgrown.
Popularity of the Name Ira
Rank among the 1,000 most popular baby names, by year.
| United States | United Kingdom | New Zealand | Ireland | Canada | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | #426 | ||||
| 1881 | #648 | ||||
| 1882 | #708 | ||||
| 1883 | #455 | ||||
| 1884 | #511 | ||||
| 1885 | #590 | ||||
| 1886 | #469 | ||||
| 1887 | #480 | ||||
| 1888 | #528 | ||||
| 1889 | #521 | ||||
| 1890 | #653 | ||||
| 1891 | #551 | ||||
| 1892 | #531 | ||||
| 1893 | #556 | ||||
| 1894 | #800 | ||||
| 1895 | #649 | ||||
| 1896 | #540 | ||||
| 1897 | #493 | ||||
| 1898 | #628 | ||||
| 1899 | #542 | ||||
| 1900 | #480 | ||||
| 1901 | #583 | ||||
| 1902 | #530 | ||||
| 1903 | #562 | ||||
| 1904 | #660 | ||||
| 1905 | #520 | ||||
| 1906 | #581 | ||||
| 1907 | #719 | ||||
| 1908 | #642 | ||||
| 1909 | #653 | ||||
| 1910 | #633 | ||||
| 1911 | #620 | ||||
| 1912 | #716 | ||||
| 1913 | #655 | ||||
| 1914 | #743 | ||||
| 1915 | #764 | ||||
| 1916 | #793 | ||||
| 1917 | #758 | ||||
| 1918 | #846 | ||||
| 1919 | #789 | ||||
| 1920 | #809 | ||||
| 1921 | #781 | ||||
| 1922 | #776 | ||||
| 1923 | #731 | ||||
| 1924 | #737 | ||||
| 1925 | #769 | ||||
| 1926 | #819 | ||||
| 1927 | #730 | ||||
| 1928 | #706 | ||||
| 1929 | #824 | ||||
| 1930 | #788 | ||||
| 1931 | #865 | ||||
| 1932 | #838 | ||||
| 1933 | #714 | ||||
| 1934 | #929 | ||||
| 1935 | #816 | ||||
| 1936 | #830 | ||||
| 1937 | #885 | ||||
| 1938 | #937 | ||||
| 1939 | #984 | ||||
| 1940 | #864 | ||||
| 1943 | #980 | ||||
| 1944 | #900 | ||||
| 1945 | #921 | ||||
| 1947 | #969 | ||||
| 2025 | #888 | #286 | #557 | #474 | |
| 2019 | #382 | ||||
| 2023 | #378 | #611 | |||
| 2021 | #933 | #768 | |||
| 2022 | #963 | #560 | |||
| 2020 | #750 | ||||
| 2024 | #829 |
Top names by country: United States · United Kingdom · New Zealand · Ireland · Canada
Variations of Name Ira
Names Similar to Ira
Nicknames for Ira
- Iri
- Riri
- Rai
- Rea
Famous People Named Ira
| Ira Glass | American radio host and producer |
| Ira Gershwin | American lyricist and composer |
| Ira von Fürstenberg | Italian actress and socialite |
| Ira Sachs | American filmmaker |
| Ira Aldridge | American-British actor |
| Ira Remsen | American chemist |
| Ira Losco | Maltese singer-songwriter |
| Ira Drukier | American hotelier and philanthropist |
| Ira Newble | American former NBA player and activist |
| Ira Louvin | American country singer - part of the Louvin Brothers duo |
| Ira von Mellenthin | German fashion designer |
| Ira Allen | American soldier and politician |
| Ira P. DeLoatch | American civil rights leader |
| Ira Einhorn | American environmentalist and convicted murderer |
| Ira Levin | American feminist writer and activist |
| Ira Hayes | American labor leader and civil rights activist |
| Ira Flatow | American science journalist and radio personality |
| Ira Tobolowsky | American sculptor |
Characters Named Ira
| Ira Gaines | Character from the TV show "24" |
| Ira Kane | Character from the movie "Evolution" |
| Ira Buchman | Character from the movie "Sleepless in Seattle" |
| Ira Goldstein | Character from the movie "Beetlejuice" |
| Ira Wright | Character from the TV show "Parenthood" |
| Ira Glass | Character from the TV show "This American Life" - voiced by Ira Glass |
| Ira Wells | Character from the movie "The Fabulous Baker Boys" |