Ira is a Hebrew name usually explained as "watchful" or "alert"; in the Bible Ira the Jairite is a priest and counselor of King David. The name was common in 19th-century America and is remembered through lyricist Ira Gershwin, brother of composer George. Ira entered the US top 1000 in 2016, peaked at number 803 in 2020 and ranks number 822 in 2025.