NameCensus.

UK surname

Ira

A Biblical surname derived from the Hebrew name Jair, meaning "he enlightens".

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Leicester.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Ira is 121 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

121

2016, ranked #27,399

Peak year

2016

121 bearers

Map years

1

2016 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 121 in 2016, ranked #27,399.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students.

Ira surname distribution map

The map shows where the Ira surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Ira surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Ira over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1997 modern 4 #38,094
1998 modern 5 #37,861
1999 modern 8 #37,367
2000 modern 10 #37,001
2001 modern 11 #36,727
2002 modern 19 #35,991
2003 modern 16 #36,304
2004 modern 33 #34,947
2005 modern 60 #32,917
2006 modern 82 #30,933
2007 modern 76 #31,966
2008 modern 81 #31,713
2009 modern 82 #32,048
2010 modern 91 #31,497
2011 modern 96 #30,721
2012 modern 105 #29,362
2013 modern 88 #32,349
2014 modern 98 #31,370
2015 modern 110 #29,157
2016 modern 121 #27,399

Geography

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Where Iras are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Leicester. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Leicester 017 Leicester
2 Leicester 010 Leicester
3 Leicester 011 Leicester
4 Leicester 018 Leicester
5 Leicester 006 Leicester

Forenames

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First names often paired with Ira

These lists show first names that appear often with the Ira surname in historical and recent records.

Historical female names

No Forenames Found

Historical male names

No Forenames Found

Recent male names

Bharat Prakash Pravin Paresh Kantilal Dharmendra Satish Pankaj Babu Mahendra

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Ira

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Ira, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students

Nationally, the Ira surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Challenged Multicultural Communities and Students, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Ira household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Married couples with dependent children are common in this Group, with many parents born in Africa or the EU. The representation of residents amongst different ethnic minority groups is high, particularly for individuals of Pakistani ethnic group. For many residents, English is not their main language, and affiliation to Christian religions is less common. Privately rented terrace properties predominate and levels of overcrowding are high. Part time work is common, with many employed in elementary occupations and sales and customer services. There are also many students living within these areas, and overall unemployment levels are high.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Ira is most associated with areas classed as Settled Semi-Detached Asians, part of Suburban Asian Communities. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These residents share Supergroup characteristics of large (non-Chinese) Asian populations but those identifying as Bangladeshi are notably absent. Many residents were born in the UK, while other more recent migrants have African birthplaces. Semi-detached housing, much of it owner occupied, prevails in these suburban residential locations.

Wider London pattern

Many residents of these neighbourhoods are of (non-Chinese) Asian descent, with many identifying as Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi. Neighbourhoods are located across large areas of suburban west, north-east and south London. Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are more prevalent than flats and socially rented housing is uncommon. Few residents live in communal establishments. Many families have dependent children, sometimes in overcrowded accommodation, and few households are ethnically mixed. Marriage rates are above the London average. The even age distribution, relative absence of individuals living alone and frequent incidence of households with children suggests that multi-generation households may be relatively common. Employment is often in skilled trades, elementary, sales and customer service occupations, and roles as process, plant, and machine operatives. Manufacturing and construction are well represented, along with employment in distribution, hotels, and restaurants. Many adults have only level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. English is not used at home by some residents. Religious affiliation is above average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Ira is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Ira falls in decile 3 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

3
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Ira is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Asian - Indian

This describes the area pattern most associated with Ira, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Ira

The surname Ira has its origins in ancient Persia, now modern-day Iran. It is derived from the Old Persian word "ira," which means "noble" or "worthy." The name is thought to have emerged around the 6th century BCE during the Achaemenid Empire, one of the earliest and most influential Persian dynasties.

Ira was initially a title bestowed upon individuals of high social status and nobility within the Persian court. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname, passed down from generation to generation. The earliest known records of the name Ira can be found in ancient Persian inscriptions and cuneiform tablets from the era.

As the Persian Empire expanded, the name Ira spread across the region, gaining recognition in neighboring territories. It is mentioned in several ancient texts and manuscripts, including the Avesta, a sacred text of Zoroastrianism, the dominant religion in ancient Persia.

During the Middle Ages, the name Ira appeared in various forms and spellings, such as Iraj and Iranj, reflecting the linguistic and cultural influences of the regions it traversed. One notable figure bearing this surname was Iraj Mirza (1453-1476), a prince of the Timurid dynasty, known for his poetry and patronage of the arts.

As trade and migration patterns evolved, the name Ira found its way to different parts of the world. In the 16th century, records show individuals with the surname Ira residing in the Ottoman Empire, particularly in cities like Istanbul and Izmir.

Another notable figure in history was Ira Aldridge (1807-1867), an African-American actor and playwright who achieved fame on the European stage. He was born in New York but spent much of his career performing in England and continental Europe, where he was celebrated for his theatrical talent and groundbreaking portrayals of Shakespearean roles.

In more recent times, Ira Remsen (1846-1927), an American chemist and educator, made significant contributions to the field of chemistry. He is best known for his work on the separation and identification of chemical compounds, as well as his role in establishing the prestigious Johns Hopkins University.

Ira Gershwin (1896-1983), an American lyricist and composer, left an indelible mark on the world of music. He collaborated with his brother George to create numerous Broadway musicals and popular songs, including timeless classics like "Embraceable You" and "I Got Rhythm."

Ira Levin (1929-2007), an American novelist and playwright, achieved critical acclaim for his works, including the best-selling novels "Rosemary's Baby" and "The Stepford Wives," both of which were adapted into successful films.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Ira surname: questions and answers

How common is the Ira surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 121 in 2016. That gives Ira a modern rank of #27,399.

What does the Ira surname mean?

A Biblical surname derived from the Hebrew name Jair, meaning "he enlightens".

What does the Ira map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Ira bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.