Ira is a unique and distinctive given name with roots tracing back to various origins and cultures.
In Hebrew, the name Ira means "watchful" or "vigilant." It originates from the Hebrew word "irah," which translates to "watchman" or "guardian." In the Bible, Ira is mentioned as one of King David's mighty warriors. He was a priest who served as a sentinel over the ark of the covenant.
In Russia, Ira is a diminutive form of the name Irene, which means "peace" in Greek. This usage is more common in Slavic cultures and has gained popularity as a given name independently from its Hebrew counterpart.
Historically, the name Ira has been used by various notable figures throughout history. For instance, there was an ancient Assyrian king named Ira who ruled around 730 BCE. Additionally, in literature, Ira Aldridge was an African-American actor born into slavery but gained fame for his roles on the British stage during the 19th century.
Today, Ira is still used as a given name, primarily among families with Jewish or Russian heritage, but also by those who appreciate its unique sound and historical significance. It remains a rare find among baby names, making it an attractive choice for parents looking for something distinctive yet meaningful for their child.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Ira has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States.
From the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, the number of births with the name Ira fluctuated between single and double digits annually. However, starting in the late 1950s, there was a noticeable decline in the popularity of the name, with fewer than 40 births per year from 1958 to 1976.
It wasn't until the late 1970s that we began to see an increase in the number of babies named Ira again. From 1977 onwards, the annual birth count consistently remained above 10, with a significant surge occurring between the years 2010 and 2022.
In 2010, there were 38 births with the name Ira, which more than doubled to 86 births by 2022. This upward trend suggests that the name Ira has regained popularity among parents in recent years, with a total of over 6700 babies named Ira born in the United States since 1880.