Leaira is a unique and captivating name of unknown origin and meaning. While some sources suggest that it may be derived from the Latin word "laetitia," which means happiness or joy, others propose that it could be of Celtic origin, with a meaning related to light or air. However, there is no definitive evidence to support either claim, making Leaira a name shrouded in mystery.
Despite its uncertain origins and meanings, Leaira has been used as a given name for centuries. The earliest known record of the name dates back to the 17th century in England, where it was given to a young girl named Leira or Leayra. Over time, various spellings and variations of the name have emerged, including Leair, Leary, and Layra.
While there is no concrete historical information about people named Leaira, the name has been carried by individuals from diverse backgrounds throughout history. In the 18th century, a woman named Leira was recorded as living in Ireland. Fast forward to the late 19th century, an American woman named Leair was listed as residing in New York City.
In recent years, Leaira has gained popularity as a given name for girls, perhaps due to its unique sound and mysterious origins. Today, people bearing this name can be found all over the world, from the United States to Australia, contributing to the ongoing story of Leaira. Although its origins and meaning remain somewhat enigmatic, Leaira continues to captivate and inspire those who hear it.
The name Leaira has seen a varied level of popularity over the past three decades in the United States, with peaks and valleys in its usage.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Leaira. The first peak occurred in 1998 when seven newborn girls were given this name. This trend continued into the new millennium with six births each year from 2003 to 2005.
The years 2006 and 2007 marked a significant increase in popularity for Leaira, with twenty-five babies being named Leaira in 2006 alone - almost double the number of births in previous years. This popularity seemed to sustain into 2008 and 2009 with twelve and twenty births respectively.
However, after 2009, there was a noticeable decline in the usage of this name. From 2010 to 2017, fewer than ten babies were named Leaira each year, with some years even recording less than five births. The most recent data from 2020 indicates that five girls born that year were given the name Leaira.
Overall, since 1991, there have been a total of 193 babies named Leaira in the United States, reflecting its intermittent popularity over time. Despite fluctuations in usage, Leaira remains an uncommon yet distinctive choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughters.