Find out how popular the first name Era has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Era by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Era is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 98% of people named Era being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 40 female babies and 7 male babies born with the name Era.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 7 baby boys were named Era in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Era

The name Era is believed to have its origins in the Latin language, derived from the word "aera," which referred to a specific period or era of time. This name likely emerged during the Roman era, as the concept of marking time by distinct eras gained prominence.

In ancient Roman culture, the term "aera" was used to denote significant historical events or epochs, such as the founding of Rome or the reign of a particular emperor. As a result, the name Era may have been bestowed upon individuals born during notable periods or to commemorate specific historical milestones.

Early records of the name Era can be traced back to ancient Roman inscriptions and manuscripts, where it appeared as a personal name or surname. However, the name's usage was relatively rare, as it carried a more symbolic or metaphorical meaning rather than being a conventional given name.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Era was a Roman priestess mentioned in the writings of the historian Livy, who lived in the 1st century BC. She was said to have played a significant role in religious ceremonies during her time.

In the 4th century AD, there was a Christian martyr named Era who was persecuted and executed for her faith during the reign of the Roman emperor Diocletian. Her story and martyrdom were documented in various early Christian texts, further contributing to the name's recognition.

During the Middle Ages, the name Era resurfaced sporadically in various European regions, particularly in Italy and Spain. One notable bearer of the name was Era of Cîteaux, a 12th-century French nun and abbess who played a crucial role in the reform of the Cistercian order.

In the 16th century, Era Rykaczewska was a Polish noblewoman and landowner who became known for her involvement in political affairs and her support for the rights of the Polish gentry.

Another historical figure named Era was Era Novello, an Italian composer and organist who lived in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. She was one of the few female composers of her time and is renowned for her sacred music compositions.

While the name Era has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, its unique origin and connection to the concept of time and historical eras have contributed to its enduring presence and occasional usage across various cultures and time periods.

Data source

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 Era was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Era, please contact us.

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