Ira

ClassicVintageStrongConciseLiterary

Ira is a Hebrew name meaning 'watchful' or 'descendant.' It has biblical roots as the name of King David's priest and also has a strong presence in American history and culture.

Current Popularity

#822 for boys

in the United States (2025)

Projected 2026: #783, likely #706 to #860

↗Rising fast

Popularity over time

188019502020
Recent years · births per year

Dashed bar: 2026 (projected): 327. How this is calculated

Yearly values
  • 2011: 110
  • 2012: 150
  • 2013: 156
  • 2014: 160
  • 2015: 199
  • 2016: 218
  • 2017: 214
  • 2018: 216
  • 2019: 252
  • 2020: 289
  • 2021: 301
  • 2022: 288
  • 2023: 266
  • 2024: 233
  • 2025: 301
  • 2026 (projected): 327

Good to Know

Common nicknames: Irey, I
  • •Very easy to spell and pronounce
  • •Short but memorable with vintage charm
  • •Strong biblical and American heritage
  • •Experiencing a revival after decades of quiet use

Similar Names

Famous People

I

Ira Gershwin

Lyricist and songwriter

I

Ira Glass

Radio personality and host of 'This American Life'

I

Ira Hayes

U.S. Marine and Iwo Jima flag raiser

I

Ira Levin

Novelist and playwright

Statistics

55,410

Total births since 1880

1947

Peak year

Discovery

Keep browsing

Search another name

Search