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Home › Baby Names Directory › Iqra

Iqra

♀ Girl

Pronounced IK-ruh /ˈɪk.rə/Medium

Meaning: from the Arabic word 'iqra' meaning 'read' or 'recite', the first word revealed in the QuranMedium

In 30 seconds: Iqra is an Arabic girl's name meaning 'read' or 'recite' — the very first word revealed in the Quran.
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Origin MediumArabic
Meaningfrom the Arabic word 'iqra' meaning 'read' or 'recite', the first word revealed in the Quran
U.S. rank (2025)#1472 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births146 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,836

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519902025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

The name is the Arabic word 'iqra', a command meaning 'read' or 'recite', and it holds special weight as the opening word of the Quranic revelation. That sacred association makes it a meaningful choice in Muslim families, carrying ideas of knowledge and learning. It is used much as it sounds, with little variation.

The Turkish-influenced spelling İkra is one of the few alternate forms you will encounter. Its short two-syllable shape gives it a clear, deliberate sound.

Did you know? The meaning usually attached to Iqra is 'read, recite, confess', and that core idea is what gives the name most of its long-term appeal.
Overall data confidence 70%
Behind the Name - Iqra — etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration — 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSV

Variations

İkra

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • ★Iqra Aziz (1997-)
    Pakistani television actress

If you like Iqra…

Aaliyah— another Arabic girl's name carrying an elevated, devotional sense
Aaira— another Arabic name
Isra— a similarly popular pick
Zaira— another Arabic name
Sidra— another Arabic name

Explore names like Iqra

By themeurdu

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Iqra mean?

Iqra is usually explained as meaning 'read, recite, confess' and is most often linked with Urdu tradition.

How do you pronounce Iqra?

It's commonly said IK-ruh /ˈɪk.rə/.

Is Iqra a boy or girl name?

In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Iqra is used as a girl name.

How popular is Iqra?

In 2024, Iqra ranked #1549 in the U.S. for girls, with 137 births recorded.

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