Find out how popular the first name Iara has been for the last 22 years (from 2002 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Iara by gender

Based on the last 22 years of data, Iara is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Iara.

The history of the first name Iara

The name Iara is believed to have its origins in the Tupi language, spoken by indigenous people of Brazil. It is derived from the Tupi word "y'ara," which translates to "lady of the waters" or "water queen." The Tupi people inhabited the coastal regions of Brazil before the arrival of European colonizers.

Iara is closely associated with the mythological figure of the same name in Brazilian folklore. According to legend, Iara is a beautiful mermaid-like creature who lures unsuspecting men into the rivers and lakes with her enchanting singing voice, causing them to drown. The myth of Iara is deeply rooted in the cultural beliefs and stories of the indigenous people of Brazil.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Iara can be traced back to the 16th century, when Portuguese explorers and colonists encountered the Tupi people and recorded their language and customs. The name appeared in writings and records from that period, often referring to the mythological figure or to individuals from the Tupi tribes.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Iara. One of the earliest recorded examples is Iara Tupinambá (c. 1560-1580), a young Tupi woman who played a significant role in the early interactions between the indigenous people and the Portuguese colonizers in Brazil.

Another notable figure is Iara Iavelberg (1933-2022), a Brazilian psychoanalyst and writer who made significant contributions to the field of psychoanalysis and published several books on the subject.

In the world of literature, Iara Jamra (born 1956) is a Brazilian novelist and short story writer whose works explore themes of identity, family, and the human experience. Her novel "Damas da Noite" (Ladies of the Night) received critical acclaim.

Iara Ferreira Machado (born 1982) is a Brazilian swimmer who competed in the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in the 4x200m freestyle relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Lastly, Iara Nascimento (born 1988) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and former UFC fighter, known for her skill in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and her successful career in the women's bantamweight division.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!