The nameYara
Yara is a short, melodic girl's name with Brazilian and Arabic roots. It is at its highest level in England and Wales.
- Girl's name
- Tupi or Arabic
Meaning
In Brazilian folklore Iara, or Yara, is a water spirit, "lady of the waters" in Tupi. In Arabic yara is often explained as "small butterfly".
Origin
Tupi or Arabic, depending on the family.
History
In England and Wales Yara reached 311th place in 2025, its best rank since 1996. Yara Greyjoy of Game of Thrones made it known to a wide audience.
Famous people named Yara
- Yara Shahidi, actress
- Yara Greyjoy, character in Game of Thrones
Popularity of the name Yara
Yara in the United States
Yara was most popular in the United States in the 2020s, with 2,441 births over the decade, 35% of all recorded babies named Yara. Its rise began around 1980, and it peaked in 2022. Half of all babies named Yara in the United States were born before 2017, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 488 births a year on average, against 290 in the five years before.
Yara in the United Kingdom
Yara was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2020s, with 746 births over the decade, 44% of all recorded babies named Yara. Its rise began around 2000, and it peaked in 2025. Half of all babies named Yara in the United Kingdom were born before 2018, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 131 births a year on average, against 80 in the five years before.
Yara in France
Yara in Belgium
Yara in Switzerland
Yara in Austria
Sibling names for Yara
Names from the same generation as Yara, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Yara? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Yara with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Yara side by side with the name of your choice.
Yara in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Yara mean?
In Brazilian folklore Iara, or Yara, is a water spirit, "lady of the waters" in Tupi. In Arabic yara is often explained as "small butterfly".
What is the origin of the name Yara?
Tupi or Arabic, depending on the family.
Is Yara a girl's or a boy's name?
Yara is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Yara?
In 2024, Yara was the 578th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 519 births.
What are good sibling names for Yara?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Amalia, Flora, Louise and Nellie for a sister, Zayd, Louie, Musa and Leandro for a brother.
Who are famous people named Yara?
Yara Shahidi, actress; Yara Greyjoy, character in Game of Thrones.