Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Saira
GirlArabic
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- SY-ruh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,320
- US babies 2025
- 79
- Best rank
- #1,593 (2001)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Saira
Saira is usually linked to Arabic roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
The origin of Saira is uncertain. It is used in Arabic-speaking and South Asian Muslim communities, where it is sometimes linked to words meaning traveler or wanderer, and it is also seen as a variant of Sara or Sarah, from Hebrew meaning princess. Because its roots are debated, many families choose Saira for its gentle sound and its familiarity across cultures. The name is short and graceful, and it offers a distinctive alternative to more common names like Sara and Zara.
Popularity over time
Saira first appears in US Social Security records in 1967. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,593 in 2001, and the most babies received it in 2021, when 122 were named Saira. In 2025, 79 babies were named Saira, and it ranked #2,320 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,819 in 1980, #1,727 in 2000, #2,163 in 2010, and #2,320 in 2025. Of the 3,645 US girls named Saira since records began, 29% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 778 babies. Since 2010, 1,365 more have been named Saira.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Adah, Annalia, Samaira, Gema, and Zari.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Saira ranked highest in New York, Texas, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New York | #1227 | 12 |
| Texas | #1890 | 12 |
| California | #2060 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Saira is usually pronounced SY-ruh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with S and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Saira
A few middle names that flow with Saira: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Saira
Similar names
Zaira Girl
ZY-ruh
Italian
#1,081
Yusra Girl
YOOS-ruh
“ease, prosperity” · Arabic
#1,021
Isra Girl
IHZ-ruh
“night journey” · Arabic
#1,463
Sidra Girl
SID-ruh
“of the stars” · Latin
#1,366
Azra Girl
AZ-ruh
“maiden, virgin” · Arabic
#2,587
Noura Girl
NOOR-uh
“light” · Arabic
#2,232
Zara Girl
ZAHR-uh
“radiant, or form of Sarah” · Arabic
#212
Zahra Girl
ZAH-ruh
“flower; radiant” · Arabic
#540
Yara Girl
YAH-ruh
“uncertain; several possible sources” · Portuguese
#507
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
Lists that include Saira
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Saira mean?
Saira is usually linked to Arabic roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Saira?
Saira has Arabic roots. The origin of Saira is uncertain.
Is Saira a popular name?
Not especially. Saira ranked #2,320 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Saira a boy or girl name?
Saira is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Saira?
Saira is usually pronounced SY-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