What does Nira mean and where does it come from?
Nira has roots in both Hebrew and Sanskrit, giving it a rich multicultural foundation. In Hebrew, the name relates to agriculture and nurturing ('to plow'), while in Sanskrit, it signifies water or spirit, adding layers of meaning associated with life and vitality. The name has gained traction in mo
Cultural significance
Nira has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to plow; earth.
Peak popularity
Reached #463 in 1933 — currently #1178 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Nira?
Nira works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Nira Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Nira Rose
Floral · soft ending
Nira Claire
French influence · crisp
Nira Jane
Literary · strong
Nira Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Nira right now?
Holding steady — currently #1178 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1178 | 1,022 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1183 | 1,002 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1188 | 972 | ▲ up 5117 · +5300% births |
| 2020 | #6305 | 18 | ▲ up 6785 · +157% births |
| 2015 | #13090 | 7 | ▼ down 710 · -12% births |
| 2010 | #12380 | 8 | ▼ down 1361 · -11% births |
| 2005 | #11019 | 9 | ▼ down 159 · +13% births |
| 2000 | #10860 | 8 | ▲ up 2334 · +60% births |
| 1990 | #13194 | 5 | ▼ down 5509 · -37% births |
| 1985 | #7685 | 8 | ▼ down 1730 |
| 1970 | #5955 | 8 | ▼ down 1414 |
| 1955 | #4541 | 8 | ▼ down 1552 · -38% births |
| 1950 | #2989 | 13 | ▲ up 1918 · +160% births |
| 1945 | #4907 | 5 | ▼ down 2349 · -58% births |
| 1935 | #2558 | 12 | — |
The story of Nira
Nira entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 703 total births recorded, Nira remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4814 in 1920 to #1178 in 2023. Nira is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Nira in 1933:
Nira by decade
Nira peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 7 | |
| 1920s | 17 | |
| 1930s ★ | 281 | |
| 1940s | 21 | |
| 1950s | 63 | |
| 1960s | 19 | |
| 1970s | 47 | |
| 1980s | 39 | |
| 1990s | 18 | |
| 2000s | 74 | |
| 2010s | 99 | |
| 2020s | 18 | |
💎Nira has only 703 total recorded births since 1917 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Nira?
Famous people named Nira
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Nira (historical community leader)
Nira led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Nira (historical figure)
Nira bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Nira?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Nira also consider these
Common questions about the name Nira
What does the name Nira mean?
Nira means "to plow; earth" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Nira?
Nira is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Nira?
Nira originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Nira?
Nira is a two-syllable name pronounced N IY1 R AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Nira a common or rare name?
Nira is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.