A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Nira since 1917
Babies named Nira per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 7 |
| 1920s | 17 |
| 1930s | 275 |
| 1940s | 21 |
| 1950s | 63 |
| 1960s | 19 |
| 1970s | 47 |
| 1980s | 39 |
| 1990s | 18 |
| 2000s | 74 |
| 2010s | 99 |
| 2020s | 125 |
Meaning & origin
Nira is a name with multiple possible origins, drawn from both Hebrew and Sanskrit roots, giving it a cross-cultural appeal. In Hebrew, it may relate to agriculture, while in Sanskrit, it evokes water, a life-giving element. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1917 and reached its highest usage in 1933, the peak year, though it has always been uncommon. After a long period of decline, Nira has been rising again since 1996, reflecting a broader trend of short, vowel-ending names. In the 1930s, it was most popular in California, one of its top states. With a current rank of 4,878 and a 1-in-59,528 rarity, Nira remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name that is simple but rich in heritage.
The name Nira has multiple possible origins. In Hebrew, it may be a feminine form of Nir, meaning "plowed field" or "cultivated land". In Sanskrit, nīra means "water" or "liquid", and Nira could be a short form of names like Niraj (meaning "lotus") or Niranjana. It has seen occasional use in English-speaking countries since the early 20th century, with a modest peak in the 1930s.
Where Nira is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Niri, Nia
Sibling names for Nira
Names that share Nira's style, for a brother or sister.
