Find out how popular the first name Dira has been for the last 3 years (from 2019 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A feminine name of Nigerian origin meaning "gift from heaven".
Based on the last 3 years of data, Dira is exclusively a female name.
For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Dira.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
2021 | 0 | 5 |
2020 | 0 | 5 |
2019 | 0 | 6 |
The name Dira is of Sanskrit origin and is believed to have roots dating back to ancient India, around the 5th century BCE. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "dīra," which means "brave" or "courageous." The name was commonly bestowed upon children in Hindu communities, particularly those belonging to the Kshatriya (warrior) caste, as it symbolized strength and valor.
In ancient Hindu texts, such as the Mahabharata and the Puranas, there are references to characters bearing names similar to Dira, further suggesting its historical significance. One notable figure was Dira, a brave warrior mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana, who fought valiantly against the forces of evil.
The earliest recorded instances of the name Dira can be traced back to the 6th century CE, as evidenced by inscriptions and records from the Gupta Empire. During this period, the name gained popularity among royal families and noble clans, reflecting their admiration for courage and bravery.
Throughout history, several prominent individuals have borne the name Dira. Dira Shastri (1599-1658), a renowned Sanskrit scholar and philosopher from the Mughal era, was a celebrated figure known for his contributions to Hindu philosophy and literature. Another notable bearer of the name was Dira Singh (1783-1843), a fearless warrior and military commander who played a crucial role in the defense of the Sikh Empire against foreign invaders.
In the realm of literature, Dira Bahadur Chand (1844-1901) was a celebrated Nepali poet and writer whose works were instrumental in shaping the literary landscape of Nepal during the 19th century. Dira Sundaram (1901-1964), an Indian freedom fighter and social reformer, dedicated her life to the cause of women's empowerment and played an active role in the Indian independence movement.
Lastly, Dira Paulraj (1931-2021), a renowned Indian-American engineer and academic, made significant contributions to the field of wireless communications and is widely recognized as the father of MIMO (Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) technology, which revolutionized modern wireless communication systems.
The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.
The history and meaning of the name Dira was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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"Dira first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on August 9, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/dira-meaning-and-history/.
"Dira first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/dira-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 9 August, 2025
Dira first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/dira-meaning-and-history/.
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