Ira
Ira is a boys' name of Hebrew origin meaning “watchful, vigilant.” It ranked #819 in the United States in 2025. Ira appears in the Bible as one of King David's chief ministers and mighty warriors.
Torn between Ira and another name? Ask family and friends to vote
how do you pronounce Ira?
EYE-rah
where does the name Ira come from?
Ira is two separate names that share a spelling: a Hebrew name meaning watchful, and a feminine short form related to Irene and Irina, perhaps through the Russian Ira.
The Hebrew meaning is 'watchful' or 'vigilant.' The name had strong popularity in early 20th-century America through lyricist Ira Gershwin and journalist Ira Glass. It has a crisp, two-syllable simplicity that feels both vintage and modern.
how popular is this name?
Ira has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 123 years since 1880, and fell outside it for 23. It peaked at #57 in 1881, and ranked #819 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #819 |
| 2024 | #969 |
| 2023 | #880 |
| 2022 | #846 |
| 2021 | #809 |
| 2020 | #802 |
| 2019 | #873 |
| 2018 | #958 |
| 2017 | #968 |
| 2016 | #952 |
| 1990 | #833 |
| 1980 | #505 |
| 1970 | #436 |
| 1960 | #318 |
| 1950 | #231 |
| 1940 | #205 |
| 1930 | #199 |
| 1920 | #170 |
| 1910 | #138 |
| 1900 | #107 |
| 1890 | #82 |
| 1881 | #57 |
| 1880 | #66 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Ira fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Ira?
- Ira Gershwin (American lyricist, brother of George Gershwin)
- Ira Glass (American radio host, This American Life)
what names are similar to Ira?
what names go well with Ira?
Sibling names that share Ira's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Ira
What does the name Ira mean?
Ira means “watchful, vigilant”.
What is the origin of the name Ira?
Ira comes from the Hebrew naming tradition.
How popular is the name Ira?
Ira ranked #819 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1881, at #57, and it has spent 123 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Ira a boy or girl name?
Ira is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Ira?
Ira is pronounced EYE-rah, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
love Ira? get 10 more names curated for your family.
Popularity rankings and meanings are just the starting point. Our AI consultant finds names that match your heritage, style, and what matters most to you.
Completely free. No credit card required.
Start your free session