Boy · 163rd of 7,545
Ira
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
62,006
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1947
Peak Popularity Year
968
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Ira stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Ira is a Hebrew name meaning 'watchful' or 'alert', stemming from biblical roots where it is associated with a warrior in King David's army. The name has evolved through Hebrew and Latin influences into its current English form. Characteristics associated with the name include vigilance and strength, with notable biblical relevance. Its usage has persisted from antiquity to modern times, with a resurgence in the 19th century, and it is perceived as a classic yet uncommon name today.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈaɪrə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Ira is derived from the Hebrew word 'iri', meaning 'watchful' or 'alert'. In the Bible, Ira is mentioned as a warrior and a chief of David's army.
Meaning
watchful, alert
Language Evolution
Ira (Hebrew), Ira (Latinized), Ira (Modern English)
Biblical Background
Ira is mentioned in the Old Testament as one of King David's mighty men.
Historical Usage
The name has been used since biblical times and gained popularity in the 19th century among English speakers.
Variants & Derivatives
Irah, Iraida
Modern Popularity & Image
In contemporary times, Ira is seen as a unique and classic name, often associated with strength and vigilance.
Famous People
Ira Gershwin, American lyricist, Ira Glass, American radio personality
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 968 peak births in 1947
Geographic Spread
Popular across 48 US states, with strongest presence in Mississippi
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 4 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 163rd of 7545 | 14,140 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 215th of 6773 | 11,099 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 283rd of 7552 | 12,789 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 449th of 10718 | 5,315 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 745th of 16616 | 2,697 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1353rd of 24088 | 1,764 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 933rd of 23106 | 2,787 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 748th of 9107 | 1,687 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 890th of 9204 | 1,209 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1413th of 12526 | 1,028 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3276th of 19264 | 329 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 5988th of 27321 | 214 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 6531st of 35406 | 291 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1579th of 30306 | 1,667 |