What does Taira mean and where does it come from?
Taira is a Japanese feminine name that is also a historical surname. The Taira clan was one of the major clans during the Heian period in Japan. The name is associated with tranquility and harmony due to its meaning related to 'peace'. It is a name that can represent a connection to Japanese heritag
Cultural significance
Taira has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of 平 (taira) meaning 'peace' or 'flat'.
Peak popularity
Reached #2440 in 1988 — currently #1103 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Taira?
Taira works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Taira Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Taira Rose
Floral · soft ending
Taira Mae
Sweet · timeless
Taira Claire
French influence · crisp
Taira Jane
Literary · strong
Taira Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Taira right now?
Holding steady — currently #1103 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1103 | 1,097 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1108 | 1,077 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1113 | 1,047 | ▲ up 7729 · +7954% births |
| 2010 | #8842 | 13 | ▼ down 3187 · -41% births |
| 2005 | #5655 | 22 | ▼ down 1326 · -21% births |
| 2000 | #4329 | 28 | ▼ down 796 · -10% births |
| 1995 | #3533 | 31 | ▼ down 945 · -33% births |
| 1990 | #2588 | 46 | ▼ down 62 · +18% births |
| 1985 | #2526 | 39 | ▲ up 1047 · +70% births |
| 1980 | #3573 | 23 | ▲ up 954 · +64% births |
| 1975 | #4527 | 14 | ▲ up 827 · +40% births |
| 1970 | #5354 | 10 | ▲ up 2150 · +100% births |
| 1965 | #7504 | 5 | — |
The story of Taira
Taira is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1965. With 1,013 total births recorded, Taira remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7504 in 1965 to #1103 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Taira in 1988:
Taira by decade
Taira peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 159 | |
| 1980s | 320 | |
| 1990s ★ | 328 | |
| 2000s | 171 | |
| 2010s | 30 | |
💎With 1,013 total births, Taira is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Taira?
What names sound and feel like Taira?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Taira also consider these
Common questions about the name Taira
What does the name Taira mean?
Taira means "平 (Taira) meaning 'peace' or 'flat'" — a name rooted in Japan 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 Taira?
Taira is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Taira?
Taira originates from Japan tradition. Japan 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 Taira?
Taira is a three-syllable name pronounced T AA0 IH1 R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Taira?
Taira pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Japan heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.