Ira

עִירָא

• Gender: Male
• Origin: Biblical English
• Meaning: watchful

• Ira is a vintage biblical name meaning "watchful" that has quietly survived for generations without ever feeling dusty. It appeared in the Hebrew Bible as the name of one of King David's priests, but its real charm lies in how effortlessly it moves between old-world warmth and modern simplicity. It is the kind of name that feels just as comfortable at a Friday night dinner table as it does on a preschool cubby.

  When Food Network star Molly Yeh chose Ira for her second daughter, she gave this classic name a jolt of fresh energy — proof that it works beautifully for any gender. With icons like Ira Gershwin and Ira Glass in its corner, the name carries serious creative-intellectual energy. Its ultra-short profile makes it easy to pair with longer middle names and practically any surname. Two syllables, centuries of history, and a sound that never tries too hard — Ira is quietly magnetic.

• Potential Sibling Name:
  Gabrielle
  ,
  Judy
  ,
  Gabriel
  ,
  Harel
• Theme: positive qualities