Iara comes from Tupi (Brazilian), 'the lady of the water' — Iara, a celebrated water-spirit/mermaid of Brazilian folklore (we note the folklore). A lyrical, cultural name (said 'ee-AH-rah'; nickname Ya).

In the U.S. it appears in Brazilian families. Rare, the-lady-of-the-water at the root, and cultural.

Did you know? Iara means 'the lady of the water' in Tupi — a beautiful water-spirit/mermaid of Brazilian folklore who lures with her song — a lyrical, cultural name (we note the folklore; said 'ee-AH-rah').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Iara — folklore noted

Variations

YaraIarah

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Iara…

Yara— a fellow spelling

Mara— a sound-neighbor -ara girls' name

Jaci— another Tupi/Brazilian girls' name

Izara— a similarly popular pick

Yarah— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Iara

By themeuncertain brazilian tupi

By meaningSea / Water

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Iara mean?

Iara is Tupi for 'the lady of the water' — a water-spirit of Brazilian folklore. We note the folklore.

How do you pronounce Iara?

It's said ee-AH-rah /iˈɑ.rɑ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Iara a boy or girl name?

Iara is a girl's name.

How popular is Iara?

Iara is a rare name in the U.S.