Rising since 2010, #4,172 for girls today.
Popularity of Elira since 2008
Babies named Elira per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 69 |
| 2020s | 115 |
Meaning & origin
Elira is a modern feminine name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 2008, reflecting the contemporary trend of creating melodic names by blending popular prefixes and suffixes. Its origin is uncertain, but it may have been inspired by Elara, one of Jupiter's moons, or by the Hebrew Eliora, meaning 'God is my light'. While no specific etymology is established, the name has steadily risen in usage, with its trajectory upward since 2010 and a peak rank of 4,172 in 2025. In that year, approximately 1 in 47,273 newborns were named Elira, indicating its rarity but growing appeal. The name is most popular in New York, according to data, suggesting a concentration in urban, diverse communities. Elira remains a distinctive choice, free from historical baggage and open to personal interpretation.
Elira first appeared in U.S. birth records in 2008, suggesting a modern coinage. It may be derived from the name Elara, a moon of Jupiter, or Eliora, a Hebrew name meaning 'God is my light'. However, there is no clear historical etymology; it likely arose through sound combination of popular 'El-' names with fashionable suffixes. Its rise in use since 2010 indicates contemporary appeal.
Where Elira is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Eli, Lira, Ellie
Sibling names for Elira
Names that share Elira's style, for a brother or sister.
