| Meaning | watchful, vigilant |
| Origin | Hebrew, Russian, Sanskrit, Slavic |
| Gender | gender neutral |
| Opposite gender | Ira |
| Popularity | Moderate |
| Length | 3 |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Syllabification | I-ra |
Ira, a name with diverse origins and meanings, has become a popular choice for parents seeking a unisex or gender-neutral name. Its roots in Hebrew, Sanskrit, and Slavic languages give it a rich cultural background. In Hebrew, Ira signifies "watchful" or "vigilant," carrying the essence of alertness and awareness. In Sanskrit, it holds the meaning "earth" or "goddess of the earth," symbolizing a deep connection to nature and grounding qualities. Additionally, in Russian and Slavic cultures, Ira is a diminutive form of Irina, which translates to "peace," reflecting a sense of calm and tranquility.
The name Ira has an air of elegance and simplicity, appealing to parents seeking a name that stands out while still being easy to pronounce. Its versatility is reflected in the various variations it has across different languages, making it a truly global name.
Whether inspired by renowned figures like Ira Glass, Ira Gershwin, or Ira von Fürstenberg, or drawn to fictional characters like Ira Gamagōri or Ira Wells, parents can find inspiration in the name Ira for their daughters. With its timeless charm and meaningful origins, Ira bestows upon baby girls a name that celebrates strength, watchfulness, and a deep connection to the earth, making it an excellent choice for the next generation of strong and mindful individuals.
| Iri |
| Riri |
| Rai |
| Rea |
| 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 |
| 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" |