Find out how popular the first name Iyra has been for the last 7 years (from 2017 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Iyra by gender

Based on the last 7 years of data, Iyra is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 12 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Iyra.

The history of the first name Iyra

The name Iyra is believed to have its origins in the ancient Sumerian language, one of the earliest known written languages that emerged in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) around 3500 BCE. The name is thought to be derived from the Sumerian word "iri," meaning "city" or "town," and may have been used to denote a person's place of birth or residence.

In the ancient Sumerian cuneiform script, the name was written using a combination of wedge-shaped symbols, and its pronunciation may have varied slightly from the modern form. However, it is clear that the name was in use during the height of the Sumerian civilization, which was known for its advanced systems of writing, mathematics, and urban planning.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Iyra can be found in the Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient Mesopotamian epic poem that dates back to around 2100 BCE. In the story, Iyra is mentioned as the name of a minor character, possibly a servant or a member of the lower class. This suggests that the name was in common usage among the general population during that time period.

Throughout the millennia, the name Iyra has been borne by various notable individuals across different cultures and regions. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Iyra the Philosopher, who lived in ancient Greece during the 5th century BCE. Iyra was a student of the renowned philosopher Socrates and is credited with recording many of his teacher's dialogues and teachings.

In the 12th century CE, Iyra al-Andalusi was a renowned Arabic poet and scholar who lived in the Iberian Peninsula during the height of the Islamic Golden Age. Her works, which explored themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition, were widely celebrated and influenced generations of poets and writers.

During the Renaissance period, Iyra Danti was an Italian mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the fields of cartography and navigation. Born in 1536, Danti is remembered for his detailed maps and globes, which were highly sought after by explorers and scholars of the time.

In the 19th century, Iyra Aldridge was an African-American actor and theater manager who achieved international fame for his performances in Europe. Born in 1807, Aldridge is considered a pioneer in the field of theater and is celebrated for his efforts to challenge racial prejudices and promote diversity on stage.

While the name Iyra has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, it has been borne by individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, each leaving their mark on the world in their own unique way. The name's ancient Sumerian roots and its enduring presence across various civilizations serve as a testament to its timeless quality and enduring appeal.

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

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Iyra, 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!