Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Aira
Girl
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Pronunciation
- EYE-ruh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,082
- US babies 2025
- 223
- Best rank
- #1,082 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Aira
The origin of Aira is uncertain.
Aira is a name of uncertain origin, used in several unrelated traditions. In Finland it is an established given name whose source is unclear. In Japanese it can be written with various characters, so its meaning depends on the ones chosen. In English-speaking countries it is often chosen for its light sound, echoing Ayra, Ira and Aria. It is usually said EYE-ruh. The name is short and melodic, and it works internationally. Families usually explain its meaning by the source they have in mind rather than a single shared definition.
Popularity over time
Aira first appears in US Social Security records in 1983. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #1,082, and its highest count, 223 babies. Use has grown 829% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #13,195 in 2000, #8,716 in 2010, and #1,082 in 2025. Of the 1,318 US girls named Aira since records began, 62% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 364 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Xochitl, Zaira, Arlett, Sunnie, and Nayla.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Aira ranked highest in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #521 | 10 |
| New Jersey | #620 | 12 |
| Maryland | #655 | 7 |
| Illinois | #669 | 14 |
| Georgia | #711 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Aira is usually pronounced EYE-ruh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with A and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Aira
A few middle names that flow with Aira: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Aira
Similar names
Kirra Girl
KEER-uh
“uncertain; Australian place name”
#4,501
Nara Girl
NAH-ruh
“uncertain; also a Japanese city”
#2,476
Maira Girl
MY-ruh
“uncertain, possibly variant of Moira”
#2,765
Kiera Girl
KEER-uh
“dark” · Irish
#1,097
Ciara Girl
see-EHR-uh
“dark” · Irish
#1,408
Chiara Girl
KYAHR-uh
“bright, clear” · Italian
#1,066
Yadira Girl
yah-DEER-uh
#3,900
Zaira Girl
ZY-ruh
Italian
#1,081
Meera Girl
MEER-uh
“uncertain; possibly 'ocean' or 'boundary'” · Sanskrit
#1,020
Yusra Girl
YOOS-ruh
“ease, prosperity” · Arabic
#1,021
Kaira Girl
KY-ruh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
#1,424
Nyra Girl
NY-ruh
“modern name of uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#1,465
Lists that include Aira
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Aira mean?
The origin of Aira is uncertain.
Is Aira a popular name?
Not especially. Aira ranked #1,082 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Aira a boy or girl name?
Aira is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Aira?
Aira is usually pronounced EYE-ruh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings