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

Kira, 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 Kira surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Kira in America

Kira is the 99378th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Kira surname appeared 182 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Kira.

We can also compare 2010 data for Kira to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Kira

The surname KIRA has its origins in ancient India, where it is believed to have derived from the Sanskrit word "kira," meaning "ray of light" or "radiance." This name was initially associated with individuals or families who held positions of prominence or were known for their wisdom and enlightenment.

During the medieval period, the name KIRA was prominent among the ruling dynasties and aristocratic families of northern India. It was often adopted by those who claimed descent from the illustrious Kshatriya caste, known for their valor and leadership qualities. The name is found in several historical records and inscriptions from this era, attesting to its widespread use.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name KIRA can be traced back to the 9th century CE, when a nobleman by the name of Kira Narasimha served as a high-ranking official in the court of the Rashtrakuta Empire. His descendants continued to use the surname, and it spread throughout the region as a mark of their noble lineage.

In the 12th century, the name gained further prominence with the rise of the Kira dynasty, a powerful ruling clan that controlled vast territories in central India. The most notable ruler from this dynasty was Raja Kira Deva, who reigned from 1150 to 1187 CE and was known for his patronage of the arts and literature.

Another notable figure bearing the name KIRA was the 16th-century poet and philosopher, Kira Vidyapati. His literary works, which explored spiritual themes and the human condition, are considered masterpieces of medieval Indian literature and continue to influence scholars and writers to this day.

In the 18th century, a renowned military commander named Kira Singh played a pivotal role in the campaigns of the Maratha Empire, earning him a place in the annals of Indian history. His bravery and strategic acumen were widely celebrated, and his descendants continued to carry the surname with pride.

As the centuries passed, the name KIRA spread beyond the borders of India, with individuals bearing this surname migrating to various parts of the world. Today, it can be found in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, where it is cherished as a reminder of its rich cultural heritage and historical significance.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Kira

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

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 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Kira 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.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Kira has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

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

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

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