Holding steady, #6,838 for girls today.
Popularity of Yaira since 1979
Babies named Yaira per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 41 |
| 1990s | 69 |
| 2000s | 265 |
| 2010s | 127 |
| 2020s | 77 |
Meaning & origin
Yaira is a Hebrew name that entered U.S. records as early as 1979, though it has never been common. Its peak popularity came in 2003, and as of 2025 the name has remained stable in usage, with a ranking of 6,838. Approximately 1 in 100,454 baby girls received the name in the most recent year. The name is most frequently given in Texas, reflecting a concentration in states with larger Jewish communities. As a modern feminine form of the biblical name Yair, Yaira offers a blend of ancient heritage and contemporary style.
Yaira is often considered a modern feminine variant of the Hebrew name Yair, which appears in the Bible as a judge of Israel. The name Yair means 'he will light up' or 'he will teach,' and adding the feminine suffix '-a' creates the feminine form Yaira. While Yair has ancient roots, Yaira emerged as a distinct given name primarily in the late 20th century, particularly among Jewish families in Israel and the diaspora.
Where Yaira is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Yai, Yaya, Rara
Variants: Yairit, Yairi
Sibling names for Yaira
Names that share Yaira's style, for a brother or sister.
