Find out how popular the last name Bira is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Bira.

Bira, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Bira surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Bira in America

Bira is the 150436th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Bira surname appeared 100 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Bira.

The history of the last name Bira

The surname Bira has intriguing origins that can be traced back to the regions of Eastern Europe and South Asia. One of the countries of origin is Bulgaria, where the word "bira" means "beer," suggesting a possible occupational surname for brewers or tavern keepers in medieval times. The name also has roots in India, derived from the Hindi and Bengali word "বীর" (bīr) meaning "brave" or "hero," reflecting the cultural significance of valor and heroism.

In Bulgaria, the surname Bira is historically connected to brewing and tavern keeping, professions that were prominent during the Middle Ages. Old Slavic languages, in which "bira" referred to beer, likely influenced these developments. Historical records from this period may include similar spellings such as Birra or Biera, potentially found in regional manuscripts or trade records.

The name appears in historical references in South Asia as early as the Mughal period, where valor and bravery were significant attributes. In this context, Bira was a surname bestowed upon warriors and noblemen, possibly documented in land grants and royal decrees. One notable person was Bira Singh, a Rajput warrior known for his contributions to defending regional territories during the late 17th century.

The earliest European examples of the surname Bira can be traced to the Bulgarian regions during the late 14th century. The name was recorded in local trade documents and guild registrations, often associated with the brewing profession. An example includes a brewer named Ivaylo Bira, born in 1385, who was a notable figure in the local guild of Plovdiv.

In South Asia, the name carried a connotation of heroism during the 15th century and was recorded in royal decrees. For example, Rana Bira Chand, born in 1430, was a distinguished warrior mentioned in the chronicles of the Rajput clans. His valor on the battlefield earned the family name significant respect and recognition.

During the 16th century, Jaya Bira, a land-owning chieftain from Bengal, emerged as a prominent figure in regional politics. Born in 1518, he was known for his administrative skills and leadership, further contributing to the social and cultural landscape of the area. His contributions were chronicled in local histories and land grant records.

Another notable figure includes Boris Bira, a 19th-century Bulgarian intellectual born in 1822, who contributed to the cultural revival of the time. He was a poet and scholar whose works reflected the nationalistic sentiments of the Bulgarian Renaissance. His literary contributions were widely appreciated and left an enduring legacy.

By the early 20th century, the surname Bira appeared in various historical accounts, reflecting its spread across cultural and national boundaries. One such instance is Ananda Bira, born in 1905, who was a social reformer in colonial India. His efforts in education and social justice left a lasting impact on his community, and he became a celebrated figure in historical records.

In summary, the surname Bira carries a rich tapestry of meanings and historical significance, from European brewing traditions to South Asian valor. It has been borne by numerous noteworthy individuals across centuries, leaving their mark on history through their varied contributions in different fields and regions.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Bira

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Bira.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Bira was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Bira was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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