Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Yara
GirlPortuguese, Arabic· “uncertain; several possible sources”
- Meaning
- uncertain; several possible sources (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Portuguese, Arabic
- Pronunciation
- YAH-ruh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #507
- US babies 2025
- 585
- Best rank
- #507 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Yara
Yara is often said to mean “uncertain; several possible sources”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Portuguese and Arabic roots.
Yara has several possible origins, and none is certain. In Brazil it is linked to Iara, a water spirit of Brazilian folklore whose name is traced to the Tupi language and often translated as lady of the waters. In Arabic, Yara is sometimes said to mean small butterfly, and in Persian it is linked to courage or strength, but these explanations are hard to confirm. The name is popular in Brazil, Lebanon and the Netherlands, and it is growing in the United States. Yara is short and musical, easy to say in many languages.
Popularity over time
Yara first appears in US Social Security records in 1969. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 9 different years, starting in 2017. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #507, and its highest count, 585 babies. Use has grown 194% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #1,963 in 1980, #2,054 in 2000, #1,273 in 2010, and #507 in 2025. Of the 7,534 US girls named Yara since records began, 40% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 2,411 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Alisson, Analeia, Clover, Hadassah, and Jovie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Yara ranked highest in Michigan, Maryland, and Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | #218 | 42 |
| Maryland | #268 | 20 |
| Virginia | #271 | 31 |
| Pennsylvania | #372 | 30 |
| California | #377 | 88 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Yara is usually pronounced YAH-ruh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with Y and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Yara
A few middle names that flow with Yara: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Yara
Similar names
Zara Girl
ZAHR-uh
“radiant, or form of Sarah” · Arabic
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Zahra Girl
ZAH-ruh
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Zaira Girl
ZY-ruh
Italian
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Yusra Girl
YOOS-ruh
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Saira Girl
SY-ruh
Arabic
#2,320
Isra Girl
IHZ-ruh
“night journey” · Arabic
#1,463
Sidra Girl
SID-ruh
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Azra Girl
AZ-ruh
“maiden, virgin” · Arabic
#2,587
Noura Girl
NOOR-uh
“light” · Arabic
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Cora Girl
KAW-ruh
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Keira Girl
KEER-uh
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Amira Girl
uh-MEER-uh
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Lists that include Yara
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Yara mean?
Yara is often said to mean “uncertain; several possible sources”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Portuguese and Arabic roots.
What is the origin of the name Yara?
Yara has Portuguese and Arabic roots. Yara has several possible origins, and none is certain.
Is Yara a popular name?
Yes. Yara ranked #507 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Yara a boy or girl name?
Yara is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Yara?
Yara is usually pronounced YAH-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