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Ira

♂ Boy

Pronounced EYE-ruh /ˈaɪ.rə/High

Meaning: From the Hebrew ira, meaning 'watchful', 'awake', or 'full-grown'; a biblical name borne by one of King David's warriors in the Second Book of SamuelHigh

In 30 seconds: Ira is a compact two-syllable Hebrew name meaning watchful or full-grown, with a distinguished record in both the Bible and American cultural history. Simple, strong, and understated.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningFrom the Hebrew ira, meaning 'watchful', 'awake', or 'full-grown'; a biblical name borne by one of King David's warriors in the Second Book of Samuel
U.S. rank (2025)#822 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births301 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1947
Total births (all-time)≈ 55,405

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 194718802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Ira is a Hebrew name meaning 'watchful' or 'full-grown', borne in the Hebrew Bible by Ira the Jairite, one of the chief ministers or priests of King David, and by Ira son of Ikkesh, one of David's thirty mighty warriors (2 Samuel 23). The name was adopted by early American Puritans and Jewish immigrants who valued its biblical simplicity.

Ira was a reasonably common name in 19th and early 20th century America, popular in both Puritan-heritage and Jewish communities. Its most culturally prominent bearer was lyricist Ira Gershwin. In the 21st century it has become a quiet hipster-revival name, appealing to parents attracted to its understated Hebrew gravitas and literary associations.

Did you know? Ira Gershwin, who wrote the lyrics for such beloved songs as Someone to Watch Over Me and I Got Rhythm, was the older brother of composer George Gershwin — together they shaped the golden age of American popular song.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Ira — Hebrew etymology and biblical usage2 Samuel 23, Hebrew Bible — biblical bearer reference

Variations

IraIrah

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • ★Ira Gershwin (1896–1983)
    American lyricist who collaborated with his brother George Gershwin to create many of the most celebrated songs of the 20th century.
  • ★Ira Glass (1959–present)
    American public radio personality and host of the long-running storytelling program This American Life.

If you like Ira…

Eli— same short Hebrew biblical name with quiet revival appeal
Ezra— shares the two-syllable Hebrew origin and literary-hipster cache
Otto— same short, two-syllable, slightly retro masculine name
Amos— fellow short biblical Hebrew name enjoying a modern revival

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ira mean?

Ira is a Hebrew name meaning watchful or full-grown, borne by warriors of King David in the Old Testament.

How do you pronounce Ira?

In English it is said EYE-ruh, with two syllables.

Is Ira a popular name?

Ira was popular in 19th and early 20th century America, declined mid-century, and has seen a modest revival among parents seeking quiet, understated names.

Is Ira a Jewish name?

Ira is a Hebrew biblical name widely used in both Jewish communities and among non-Jewish Americans with Puritan naming traditions.