MallowbyNames

Nera

NEH-rah · Of uncertain origin; possibly a short form of names like Nerissa or a variant of Nara.

Peak popularity
1894
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2010

A 1890s favorite, climbing again.

Popularity of Nera since 1894

Babies named Nera per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1928, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Nera's real moment was 1894.

4913192019602000Most births 1928Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1890s5
1900s7
1910s30
1920s46
1930s5
1940s0
1950s0
1960s0
1970s0
1980s0
1990s0
2000s10
2010s21
2020s27

Meaning & origin

Nera is a rare and delicate name that has never entered the top 1,000 U.S. baby names. First recorded in 1894, it saw its peak year of usage that very same year, with a revival trend beginning around 2010. The name's uncertain origins add to its mystique, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking something uncommon. While it has no recorded top states of popularity, its gentle sound and modern feel have contributed to its recent upward trajectory.

Nera is a name of uncertain origin. It may be a modern coinage or a short form of names such as Nerissa, a Shakespearean invention, or Nereida, from Greek mythology. Alternatively, it could be a variant of Nara, a name with Japanese or other roots. The name has seen occasional use in the United States since the late 19th century, with a notable revival in recent decades.

Sibling names for Nera

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

Sisters: Nora, Lena, Mira, Thea, Sera

Brothers: Leo, Nico, Eli, Oren, Jude

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

N is for Nera, our favorite little girl.

N is for Nera…”

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

Make Nera's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Nera mean?
The meaning of Nera is uncertain. It may be a modern invention or a short form of names like Nerissa or Nereida.
How popular is the name Nera?
Nera has never ranked among the top 1,000 names in the United States. Its peak usage was in 1894, and it has been rising in popularity since 2010.
Is Nera a girl's name, a boy's name, or unisex?
Nera is typically considered a girl's name, based on historical usage.