Origin
The name Irah has Hebrew origins, derived from the Bible. It appears in biblical contexts as a proper noun for both a woman and a man, with the root possibly related to the Hebrew words for 'watchful' or 'wild'. It is not originally Australian but has been adopted within some diverse communities in Australia, including Jewish and multicultural populations.
Meaning
Literal translation from Hebrew suggests 'watchful' or 'alert'. In Australian contexts, it is often appreciated for its simple phonetic elegance and uniqueness, embodying qualities of attentiveness and vigilance.
Pronunciation
[aɪˈrɑː] (Australian English pronunciation with emphasis on the second syllable) — eye-RAH, with a long 'a' sound in the second syllable, common in Australian pronunciation.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Ira (masculine variant, more common in Hebrew and other cultures)
- Eira (Welsh origins, meaning 'snow', sometimes used as a variant in multicultural Australia)
- Irina (Russian variant, used occasionally in multicultural Australian contexts)
Nicknames
- Irri
- Ira
Name Days
- First Sunday of Advent (Christian calendar, celebrated across Australia)
- Various Christian denominations observe a feast day for Saint Irah on 6 February, though less widely recognized.
- No specific Māori or Aboriginal name day associations exist for Irah.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with irah:
- Ava and Irah (gender-neutral pairing)
- Mia and Irah (classic Australian pairings)
- Ella and Irah (modern, stylish combinations)
Fun Facts
- The name Irah is relatively rare in Australia, making it distinctive among more common names.
- It’s sometimes chosen by parents seeking a biblical or spiritual resonance in their child's name.
- There are no prominent Australian celebrities or historical figures with this name, adding to its uniqueness.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name irah:
- Attentive
- Vigilant
- Unique
- Spiritual
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a clean, simple typographic appearance with balanced syllables, fitting well with modern Australian aesthetic preferences for unique yet straightforward names.
Geographical Distribution
Most common among Jewish and multicultural communities in metropolitan areas like Sydney and Melbourne, where diverse backgrounds influence naming choices.
Numerological Significance
The name Irah corresponds to the number 1 in numerology, symbolising leadership and independence, which some parents find appealing for its aspirational qualities.
Astrological Connections
No specific astrological associations are traditionally linked to this name, though individual birth date astrology would be relevant for personal traits.
Historical Context
While not traditional in Australian history, the biblical name Irah has been brought to the country through immigrant communities and is occasionally found among Jewish Australians. It has gained slight recognition through its biblical connections and phonetic charm.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across languages, maintaining its phonetic simplicity. Variants appear in different scripts, such as Hebrew (איָרָה), Russian (Ирина), and Welsh (Eira).
Famous People Named irah
- No widely known Australian celebrities bear this name.
- Other notable figures include biblical and historical references rather than contemporary public figures.
- Fictional characters bearing the name are rare but could be found in religious stories or literature.
Popularity in Australia
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 |