MallowbyNames

Naira

NYE-rah · likely derived from the Arabic word 'nayyirah' meaning 'luminous' or 'bright', or possibly a variant of the Armenian name Naira meaning 'pomegranate flower'.

2025 rank (girls)
#2,354
Babies named in 2025
77
Peak popularity
2025
2025 frequency
1 in 20,874 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 1989

Rising since 1989, #2,354 for girls today.

Popularity of Naira since 1981

Babies named Naira per year in U.S. Social Security records.

2651771990200020102020Most births 2025Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s17
1990s44
2000s116
2010s366
2020s380

Meaning & origin

Naira is a name of multicultural origin, with roots in both Arabic and Armenian traditions. Its meaning, tied to light or the pomegranate flower, gives it a natural elegance. The name first appeared on U.S. records in 1981, and its popularity has been steadily rising since 1989, reaching a peak in 2025 where it ranked 2354. This upward trajectory underscores its growing appeal among parents seeking a short, melodious name with cross-cultural resonance. Naira's highest usage is in Washington, New York, and Florida.

Naira is a name with multiple possible origins. In Arabic, it is often considered a variant of Nayyirah, meaning 'luminous' or 'bright'. In Armenian, it is associated with the pomegranate flower and carries a sense of beauty and fertility. The name has gained international usage, particularly in the United States since the 1980s, where it is chosen for its melodic sound and multicultural appeal.

Where Naira is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Naira” around the world

Where Naira lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    30

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Nai, Nair, Nay

Variants: Nayra, Naira, Nayyirah

Sibling names for Naira

Names that share Naira's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Mira, Layla, Sana, Zara, Anya

Brothers: Kai, Eli, Zayn, Ravi, Samir

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

N is for Naira, our favorite little girl.

N is for Naira…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Naira's letter becomes Naira's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Naira's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Naira mean?
Naira is thought to mean 'luminous' or 'bright' from Arabic, or 'pomegranate flower' in Armenian.
How popular is the name Naira currently?
In 2025, Naira ranked 2354 in the US, with about 1 in 20,874 baby girls given the name.
Is Naira a girl's name or a boy's name?
Naira is used almost exclusively for girls.