Eira

Meaning & origin

Eira, a Welsh name meaning 'snow,' first appeared in U.S. records in 1979, but its real climb began later. After 1994, the name started a steady upward trajectory, and by 2025 it reached its peak rank of 1747, with 1 in 13,856 newborn girls receiving the name. While still relatively uncommon, Eira has found particular favor in states like Washington, Minnesota, and New York, suggesting a growing appreciation for short, nature-inspired names. Its Welsh heritage gives it a lyrical, understated quality that fits alongside other modern minimalist names. As a name that has never fallen out of favor but rather risen consistently, Eira offers a fresh alternative that is both easy to pronounce and deeply rooted in a specific cultural context.

Eira is a Welsh name directly derived from the Welsh word eira, meaning 'snow.' It has been used as a given name in Wales and among Welsh-speaking communities, reflecting a connection to nature. In recent decades, its use has spread to other English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, where it has been gaining in popularity since the 1990s.