Find out how popular the first name Yira has been for the last 20 years (from 1981 to 2000) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yira by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Yira is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2000, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Yira.

The history of the first name Yira

The name Yira finds its origins in the Yoruba language, spoken by the Yoruba people of West Africa, particularly in present-day Nigeria. It is believed to have emerged in the late 15th century or early 16th century, during the height of the Oyo Empire.

Yira is derived from the Yoruba word "ìrà," which means "good fortune" or "blessing." This suggests that the name was likely bestowed upon children as a wish for them to have a prosperous and fortunate life.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Yira can be found in a traditional Yoruba folktale from the 17th century, which features a character named Yira, a wise and respected elder in the village. This folktale highlights the cultural significance and longevity of the name within the Yoruba community.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Yira. One such figure was Yira Akinosoye (1780-1858), a prominent Yoruba chief and military leader who played a pivotal role in the expansion of the Oyo Empire during the early 19th century.

Another remarkable individual was Yira Fodunso (1820-1901), a celebrated artist and sculptor from the Yoruba town of Ife. Her intricate wood carvings and sculptures depicting Yoruba mythology and culture are now housed in various museums and art galleries around the world.

In the realm of literature, Yira Adebisi (1892-1962) was a renowned Yoruba poet and playwright, known for his poetic works that celebrated the richness of Yoruba culture and language.

Yira Oladipo (1918-1998), an influential educator and activist, dedicated her life to promoting education and empowerment for women in Nigeria. She founded several schools and organizations that continue to impact the lives of countless individuals.

Lastly, Yira Olubunmi (born 1975) is a contemporary Nigerian artist whose vibrant paintings and mixed-media works capture the essence of Yoruba traditions and contemporary African life. Her art has been exhibited in galleries across Africa, Europe, and the United States.

These individuals, spanning various fields and eras, exemplify the enduring presence and significance of the name Yira within the Yoruba culture and beyond.

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

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