Ira: a female name of Greek origin meaning "This name is a modern form of “Hera,” Queen of marriage, women, childbirth, heirs, kings, and empires".It derives from the Greek word "Hḗra > Heraís".
Ira is a feminine name that means "This name is a modern form of “Hera,” Queen of marriage, women, childbirth, heirs, kings, and empires". Its Greek origins reflect deep cultural values and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its profound significance and timeless appeal.
Quick Facts About Ira
Quick facts about Ira
Origin
Greek
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Uncommon
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name is a modern form of “Hera,” Queen of marriage, women, childbirth, heirs, kings, and empires. She is Zeus's wife and the daughter of Cronus and Rhea and was usually depicted as a beautiful woman wearing a crown and veil and holding a royal, lotus-tipped staff. St. Irais, also known as Iraida, Irais, Herais, or Rhais, was a martyr venerated by the Roman Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox churches. According to one account, she was the daughter of a Christian priest living in Alexandria, Egypt. At age twelve, she was sent to live in a women's monastery at Tamman.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Hḗra > Heraís
How to Pronounce Ira
Ira is pronounced /ˈaɪ.rə/(Greek)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Ir-a
Say it like: "IR-A"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Ira is predominantly used in spanish speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
spanish
Frequently Asked Questions About Ira
What does the name Ira mean?
Ira means "This name is a modern form of “Hera,” Queen of marriage, women, childbirth, heirs, kings, and empires. She is Zeus's wife and the daughter of Cronus and Rhea and was usually depicted as a beautiful woman wearing a crown and veil and holding a royal, lotus-tipped staff. St. Irais, also known as Iraida, Irais, Herais, or Rhais, was a martyr venerated by the Roman Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox churches. According to one account, she was the daughter of a Christian priest living in Alexandria, Egypt. At age twelve, she was sent to live in a women's monastery at Tamman.". The name comes from Hḗra > Heraís. In its original form, the name derives from Hḗra (Ἥρα) Heraís (Ιραίς / Ἡραίς). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Ira for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name is a modern form of “Hera,” Queen of marriage, women, childbirth, heirs, kings, and empires. She is Zeus's wife and the daughter of Cronus and Rhea and was usually depicted as a beautiful woman wearing a crown and veil and holding a royal, lotus-tipped staff. St. Irais, also known as Iraida, Irais, Herais, or Rhais, was a martyr venerated by the Roman Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox churches. According to one account, she was the daughter of a Christian priest living in Alexandria, Egypt. At age twelve, she was sent to live in a women's monastery at Tamman." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Ira offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like GREEK MYTHOLOGY (OLYMPIAN DEITIES) / RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Ira?
Ira is a greek name. The name traces back to Hḗra > Heraís. The original form Hḗra (Ἥρα) Heraís (Ιραίς / Ἡραίς) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to spanish naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The greek meaning "This name is a modern form of “Hera,” Queen of marriage, women, childbirth, heirs, kings, and empires. She is Zeus's wife and the daughter of Cronus and Rhea and was usually depicted as a beautiful woman wearing a crown and veil and holding a royal, lotus-tipped staff. St. Irais, also known as Iraida, Irais, Herais, or Rhais, was a martyr venerated by the Roman Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox churches. According to one account, she was the daughter of a Christian priest living in Alexandria, Egypt. At age twelve, she was sent to live in a women's monastery at Tamman." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Ira a boy or girl name?
Ira is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In greek tradition, Ira has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name is a modern form of “Hera,” Queen of marriage, women, childbirth, heirs, kings, and empires. She is Zeus's wife and the daughter of Cronus and Rhea and was usually depicted as a beautiful woman wearing a crown and veil and holding a royal, lotus-tipped staff. St. Irais, also known as Iraida, Irais, Herais, or Rhais, was a martyr venerated by the Roman Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox churches. According to one account, she was the daughter of a Christian priest living in Alexandria, Egypt. At age twelve, she was sent to live in a women's monastery at Tamman." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Ira?
Ira is pronounced "/ˈaɪ.rə/". This pronunciation follows el language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Ira is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Ira can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Hḗra > Heraís influences how Ira sounds in its original language.
What are common nicknames for Ira?
Ira is commonly used as a nickname for Iraida. Being a shortened version of Iraida, Ira offers a casual alternative that's quicker to say in everyday conversation. Many people named Iraida go by Ira throughout their lives, using the full name only on official documents. In greek cultures, using Ira as a nickname carries a sense of familiarity and warmth. This nickname pattern is common among girls and women, though some now use Ira as a given name on its own. Today, parents sometimes put Ira on the birth certificate directly, skipping the longer form entirely. This gives the child a name that feels both complete and approachable.
How popular is the name Ira?
Ira is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Ira gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Ira's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name is a modern form of “Hera,” Queen of marriage, women, childbirth, heirs, kings, and empires. She is Zeus's wife and the daughter of Cronus and Rhea and was usually depicted as a beautiful woman wearing a crown and veil and holding a royal, lotus-tipped staff. St. Irais, also known as Iraida, Irais, Herais, or Rhais, was a martyr venerated by the Roman Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox churches. According to one account, she was the daughter of a Christian priest living in Alexandria, Egypt. At age twelve, she was sent to live in a women's monastery at Tamman." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Ira holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Ira commonly used?
Ira is used primarily in spanish naming traditions. Though greek in origin, Ira found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name is a modern form of “Hera,” Queen of marriage, women, childbirth, heirs, kings, and empires. She is Zeus's wife and the daughter of Cronus and Rhea and was usually depicted as a beautiful woman wearing a crown and veil and holding a royal, lotus-tipped staff. St. Irais, also known as Iraida, Irais, Herais, or Rhais, was a martyr venerated by the Roman Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox churches. According to one account, she was the daughter of a Christian priest living in Alexandria, Egypt. At age twelve, she was sent to live in a women's monastery at Tamman." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Ira into their naming traditions. A child named Ira will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Ira is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Ira?
Ira carries associations with GREEK MYTHOLOGY (OLYMPIAN DEITIES) / RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name is a modern form of “Hera,” Queen of marriage, women, childbirth, heirs, kings, and empires. She is Zeus's wife and the daughter of Cronus and Rhea and was usually depicted as a beautiful woman wearing a crown and veil and holding a royal, lotus-tipped staff. St. Irais, also known as Iraida, Irais, Herais, or Rhais, was a martyr venerated by the Roman Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox churches. According to one account, she was the daughter of a Christian priest living in Alexandria, Egypt. At age twelve, she was sent to live in a women's monastery at Tamman." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Ira originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Ira sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Ira often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In spanish communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.