Find out how popular the first name Iraya has been for the last 1 years (from 2023 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Iraya by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Iraya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Iraya.

The history of the first name Iraya

The name Iraya is believed to have originated from the Basque language, which is spoken in the Basque Country, a region straddling the western Pyrenees in northern Spain and southern France. The name is thought to derive from the Basque word "iratze," meaning "fern." This suggests that the name may have been given to individuals who lived in areas abundant with ferns or were associated with this plant in some way.

The earliest known records of the name Iraya date back to the 16th century in the Basque region. One of the earliest documented individuals with this name was Iraya de Azpeitia, a Basque noblewoman who lived in the late 16th century. She was known for her involvement in local politics and for her philanthropic work in supporting the poor and underprivileged.

In the 17th century, Iraya de Urquijo, a Basque writer and poet, gained recognition for her contributions to Basque literature. Her work helped preserve and promote the Basque language and culture during a time when it was facing suppression.

Moving into the 18th century, Iraya Arteaga was a prominent Basque businesswoman who owned and operated several successful trading companies. She was known for her astute business acumen and for her role in facilitating trade between the Basque Country and other parts of Europe.

In the 19th century, Iraya Goya was a Basque painter and sculptor who was heavily influenced by the artistic movements of her time, such as Romanticism and Realism. Her works often depicted scenes from Basque rural life and were celebrated for their attention to detail and emotional depth.

Another notable figure was Iraya Etxebarria, a Basque activist and educator who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was a vocal advocate for women's rights and played a significant role in establishing educational opportunities for women in the Basque region.

While the name Iraya has its roots in the Basque language and culture, it has also been adopted and used in other parts of the world, albeit to a lesser extent. However, the historical and cultural significance of this name remains deeply tied to the Basque people and their rich heritage.

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

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

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