Ira

Ira is a biblical Hebrew name commonly interpreted as “watchful,” borne by men in the Old Testament. The same spelling also appears in other naming traditions: it can be a short form of Russian Irina, and Sanskrit uses have different meanings. These are separate origins, so a translation appropriate to one family should not automatically be applied to another.

The English biblical name is commonly spoken with a long first vowel, while an Irina-based Ira usually sounds different. Lyricist Ira Gershwin is a well-known bearer, although his birth name was Israel. Parents can use Ira as a complete, concise name or as a family short form, with the intended cultural connection guiding its explanation.