Short, soulful, and undeniably vintage, Ira is a name that manages to feel both historically grounded and effortlessly cool. While it spent decades gathering dust in the archives of “grandpa names,” Ira is currently enjoying a Renaissance alongside other vowel-heavy favorites like Ezra, Asa, and Arlo. It possesses a quiet intellectualism, a name that sounds just as at home in a 1920s jazz club as it does in a modern university library.
At its core, Ira is a biblical name of Hebrew origin meaning “watchful,” though its multicultural roots stretch into Sanskrit and Russian traditions as well. It is a compact powerhouse of a name, offering three letters of soft sounds backed by a sturdy, masculine history.
Verdict: Ira is the perfect choice for a baby born in 2025 if you are looking for something timeless but distinct. It offers the beloved “vowel-beginning/vowel-ending” structure of modern trends but remains far less ubiquitous than Noah or Luca.
Ira Overview
- Meaning: When translated from Hebrew, Ira means “watchful” or “roused.”
- Gender: Ira is a gender-neutral name.
- Origin: The name Ira originates from the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament.
- Pronunciation: “EYE-ruh” or “EER-uh.”
- Popularity: The name is relatively popular in the United States, often ranking in the top 1,000 most common baby names. It’s far more popular in Russia and Belarus.
- Nicknames: Irina, Irene, and Iris.
- Variations: עִירָא, Hera, Îrâ
- Namesakes: Ira Gershwin (lyricist), Ira Glass (radio personality).
Ira is an enchanting name with a powerful meaning and unique origin, and it’s becoming increasingly popular. Here’s everything you need to know about it, along with some answers to popular questions about it.
What Does Ira Mean?
The name Ira is a linguistic chameleon with several distinct meanings depending on which cultural lens you view it through.
In its primary Hebrew origin, Ira (עִירָא) translates to “watchful,” “vigilant,” or “one who is fully awake.” It is derived from roots associated with being roused or alert. This gives the name a protective, guardian-like quality.
However, the name has a completely separate existence in Sanskrit. In this context, Ira means “the earth” or “speech.” It is deeply tied to nature and wisdom, often associated with the goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and the arts.
It is important to note the distinction with the Latin word ira, which means “wrath” or “anger” (the root of the English word “irate”). While this is a linguistic coincidence, most parents choose the name for its Hebrew “watchful” or Sanskrit “earth” connotations rather than the Latin definition.
Where Does the Name Ira Come From?
The name Ira has deep roots in antiquity. Its most prominent origin is Biblical. In the Old Testament, Ira appears as the name of three distinct men in the circle of King David. The most notable was Ira the Jairite, described in 2 Samuel 20:26 as a “priest” or “chief minister” to David. This establishes the name’s pedigree as one of loyalty, service, and high status.
In the United States, Ira was a staple of the colonial and pioneer eras, often chosen by Puritan families who favored obscure Old Testament monikers. It was a top-tier name in the late 19th century, carried by notable generals, writers, and politicians, cementing its status as a “classic American” name before it faded in the mid-20th century.
How Popular is the Name Ira?
Ira is currently experiencing a “sleeping giant” moment. If you look at the long view of history, Ira was a superstar name in the 1880s, consistently ranking in the Top 100 in the US. It was as common then as names like Ryan or Nathan are today.
However, by the mid-20th century, it experienced a slow decline, eventually dropping out of the Top 1000 entirely in the early 1990s. It sat dormant for over two decades, viewed largely as an “old man name.”
In recent years, the tide has turned. Ira re-entered the Top 1000 in 2016 and has been on a slow, steady incline since. It fits perfectly into the current trend of “soft masculine” names ending in ‘A’ (like Ezra, Asa, and Luka). While it is not yet a viral hit, it is firmly in “rising star” territory, making it a familiar but underused gem for parents in 2025.
How Do I Pronounce Ira?
In English-speaking countries, particularly the US and UK, the standard pronunciation is “EYE-ruh.” It rhymes with “Myra” or “Tyra.”
In many European and Slavic cultures, particularly where it functions as a nickname for Irina, it is pronounced “EER-ah” (rhyming with “Era”).
Is Ira a Boy or Girl Name?
Historically and biblically, Ira is strictly a boy’s name. For centuries in the US and UK, it was almost exclusively given to males.
However, the landscape is shifting. Because the sound ends in ‘A’, a trait usually associated with femininity in English, and because “Ira” is a common nickname for the female Russian name Irina, it is increasingly viewed as gender-neutral. While it remains predominantly male on birth certificates in the US, it is an excellent option for parents seeking a soft, unisex-sounding name for a daughter.
Variations of Ira
While Ira is short and sweet, it has cousins across the globe:
- Eira: A Welsh female name meaning “snow” (pronounced AY-rah).
- Iraia: A Basque name meaning “fern,” often used for females.
- Iras: A Greek variation.
- Yira: A phonetic variation sometimes found in Spanish-speaking communities.
Nicknames for Ira
A three-letter name rarely needs a nickname, but affectionate parents always find a way.
- Ari: A simple scrambling of the letters that serves as a standalone Hebrew name (meaning “Lion”).
- Eye: A distinct phonetic short form.
- Rara: A playful, repetitive nickname often used by siblings.
- Ry: Taking the second syllable sound.
Names Similar to Ira
If you love the vibe of Ira but aren’t quite ready to commit, consider these names that share its vintage, vowel-heavy, or intellectual aesthetic:
- Ezra: The closest stylistic match; biblical, ends in A, and currently very popular.
- Asa: Another soft, biblical palindrome name with a vintage feel.
- Arlo: Shares the vowel-heavy, boho-chic vibe.
- Eli: Short, biblical, and universally recognized.
- Idris: Shares the initial “I” and an intellectual, studious reputation.
- Ari: Similar sounds, but with a fiercer meaning (Lion).
- Oren: Hebrew origin with a similar gentle strength.
- Lev: Short, punchy, and means “heart.”
Middle Names for Ira
Because Ira is short and ends in a vowel, it pairs beautifully with longer, consonant-heavy middle names to ground it.
Classic & Distinguished
These options lean into the “gentlemanly” history of the name.
- Ira Benjamin
- Ira Nathaniel
- Ira Thomas
- Ira James
- Ira William
Modern & Edgy
Contrast the vintage feel of Ira with something sharp and contemporary.
- Ira Fox
- Ira Grey
- Ira Jude
- Ira Wilder
- Ira Cole
Nature-Inspired
Since one of the meanings of Ira is “earth,” nature names are a thematic fit.
- Ira Sage
- Ira Forest
- Ira Reed
- Ira Brooks
- Ira Rowan
Sibling Names for Ira
Building a sib-set around Ira means looking for names that feel timeless, slightly offbeat, and historically established.
For a Brother
- Silas: Shares the New Testament, rustic vibe.
- Felix: Classic, Latin, and has the “x” factor.
- Simon: Gentle, intellectual, and biblical.
- Arthur: Another “old man” favorite making a huge comeback.
- Louis: Soft, French-influenced, and vintage.
For a Sister
- Opal: A vintage gem name that matches Ira’s shortness.
- Mabel: clunky-cool and sweet.
- Flora: Botanical and old-fashioned.
- Ada: A palindrome that is short, strong, and vintage.
- Esther: A perfect biblical counterpart.
Famous People Named Ira
- Ira Gershwin: The legendary lyricist who, along with his brother George Gershwin, created some of the most enduring songs in American history.
- Ira Glass: The host and producer of This American Life; he is largely responsible for the name’s modern association with thoughtful storytelling and public radio.
- Ira Levin: The celebrated author of suspense thrillers like Rosemary’s Baby and The Stepford Wives.
- Ira Aldridge: An American-born British stage actor and playwright who was one of the first African American actors to achieve success on the international stage in the 19th century.
- Ira Hayes: A Pima Native American and a United States Marine who was one of the six flag raisers immortalized in the iconic photograph of the victory at Iwo Jima.
Ira in Pop Culture
- Ira Rosenbloom: A recurring character on the hit sitcom Young Sheldon, played by Richard Kind.
- Ira Wright: The protagonist of Judd Apatow’s film Funny People, played by Seth Rogen.
- Ira Buchman: A character in the 90s sitcom Mad About You.
- Ira the Jairite: While not “pop culture,” he is a significant figure in historical fiction relating to King David.
FAQs About the Name Ira
What Does the Name Ira Mean in Russian?
In Russia, the name Ira is often used as a nickname for Irina (meaning “peace”), which is a Russian permutation of the Greek name Hera.
What Does Ira Mean in Latin?
In Latin, the name Ira translates to “anger.” The complete Latin adjective for this term is “iratus,” which is currently associated with the English word “irate” (1).
Is Ira a Hindu Name?
Ira has multiple origins, including Hindu religious texts. This is the name of an important female figure from The Puranas, Irā (इरा). In The Puranas, this figure is described as the mother of three goddesses who created plants and trees.
How Rare Is the Name Ira?
The name Ira isn’t rare, but it isn’t as popular as it was during the 1800s. Currently, the name is seeing a slight resurgence, placing it within the top 1000 most popular baby names in the United States, but it is not yet in the top 100.
Is Ira Related to the Name Era?
No, Ira and Era are distinct names with different etymologies. Ira is primarily Hebrew (watchful), while Era is an English word name referring to a period of time, or occasionally a diminutive of names like Elvira. They sound similar but are not related linguistically.
Can Ira Be a Nickname for Isaac?
Yes, some parents use Ira as a creative nickname for Isaac or Isaiah. Since both names start with “I” and share biblical roots, Ira serves as a less common alternative to “Zac” or “Ike.”
What is the Scrabble Score for the Name Ira?
For parents who love word games, Ira is a low-scoring name. In standard English Scrabble, the name Ira is worth 3 points (I=1, R=1, A=1). However, because it consists of common letters, it is easy for a child to learn to spell and write very early on.
Is Ira Considered an Old-Fashioned Name?
Yes, Ira is widely considered a “vintage” or “old-fashioned” name, often categorized with “grandfather names” like Walter, Arthur, and Louis. However, this vintage quality is exactly what makes it stylish and trendy for modern parents in the 21st century.
Does the Name Ira Have a Connection to Water?
In Sanskrit, one of the nuanced meanings of Ira is “refreshment” or “liquid,” and it is sometimes associated with water or the sustenance the earth provides. While not a direct “water name” like River or Brooks, it carries a subtle hydro-connection in Eastern traditions.
