The name Ezra is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word 'ezer', which means 'help' or 'helper'. The earliest known bearer of this name was Ezra, a Hebrew priest and scribe who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile in the 5th century BC.

In the Bible, Ezra is regarded as one of the most important figures in Jewish history. He is credited with leading a group of Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem from Babylon and restoring the observance of the Torah, the Jewish law. The Book of Ezra, part of the Hebrew Bible, recounts his efforts in reestablishing the Temple and the religious life of the community.

The name Ezra gained prominence in the Jewish community due to its association with this biblical figure. It has been used by Jews throughout history, often as a way to honor the memory of the great scribe and leader. One notable bearer of the name was Ezra Pound, an American poet and critic who lived from 1885 to 1972 and was a major figure in the Modernist movement.

Another famous Ezra was Ezra Cornell, the American businessman and philanthropist who founded Cornell University in 1865. He lived from 1807 to 1874 and was instrumental in the establishment of the university's land-grant system, which helped make higher education more accessible.

In the realm of literature, Ezra Weston Loomis Pound, better known as Ezra Pound, was a influential American poet, critic, and intellectual who lived from 1885 to 1972. He played a pivotal role in shaping the Modernist movement and was a significant figure in the Imagist and Vorticist literary groups.

Ezra Taft Benson, who lived from 1899 to 1994, was an American religious leader and politician. He served as the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1985 to 1994 and was also the United States Secretary of Agriculture under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Ezra Stiles, born in 1727 and died in 1795, was an American academic and educator. He served as the president of Yale College (now Yale University) from 1778 until his death, and was instrumental in shaping the institution's academic curriculum and promoting the study of Hebrew and other Semitic languages.