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

Popularity of Ira by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Ira is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 81% of people named Ira being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 264 male babies and 161 female babies born with the name Ira.

The history of the first name Ira

The name Ira has its origins in the ancient Hebrew language and culture, tracing its roots back to biblical times. It is derived from the Hebrew word "ir" or "eer," which means "watchful" or "vigilant." This name was often associated with protection, guardianship, and alertness.

In the Old Testament of the Bible, the name Ira appears as an Israelite man mentioned in the Book of 2 Samuel. He is described as one of King David's mighty warriors and is referred to as "Ira the Ithrite." The Ithrites were a clan or family from the region of Judah, and Ira's association with this group suggests that the name may have been relatively common among ancient Hebrew communities.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Ira was Ira Allen, an American revolutionary and founder of the University of Vermont. Born in 1751, he played a significant role in the establishment of Vermont as an independent republic before it joined the United States.

Another notable figure named Ira was Ira Aldridge, an African American actor and playwright who gained international fame in the 19th century. Born in 1807, he became widely known for his performances in Shakespearean roles, particularly for his portrayal of Othello, which was considered groundbreaking for a black actor during that time.

In the realm of literature, Ira Levin was an American novelist and playwright best known for his novels "Rosemary's Baby" and "The Stepford Wives." He was born in 1929 and his works often explored themes of horror, satire, and social commentary.

Ira Remsen, born in 1846, was an American chemist and educator who made significant contributions to the field of chemistry. He is credited with discovering the chemical element germanium and served as the president of Johns Hopkins University from 1901 to 1912.

Ira Gershwin, born in 1896, was an American lyricist who collaborated with his brother George Gershwin on numerous Broadway musicals and popular songs. Some of their most famous works include "Porgy and Bess," "An American in Paris," and "Rhapsody in Blue."

Throughout history, the name Ira has been associated with individuals from diverse backgrounds and professions, reflecting its enduring appeal across cultures and eras. While its Hebrew origins point to a meaning of watchfulness and protection, the name has taken on broader connotations, representing strength, resilience, and artistic expression.

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

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

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