How to say it
YAR · a
/ˈjɑːr.ə/
Feminine
Yara
Small butterfly; water lady
What it means
Arabic, 'small butterfly,' and a water spirit of Brazilian Tupi legend.
Yara carries two lovely meanings. In Arabic it is often read as 'small butterfly,' and in Brazilian Tupi legend Iara is a beautiful water nymph who lures with her song, her name tied to 'lady of the water.' Soft and global, it travels easily across languages. Actress Yara Shahidi is a modern bearer. Said YAR-uh.
Popularity over time
peaked at #507 in 2025, currently #507 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–present. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Spelling
Arabic 'butterfly'; also the Brazilian water spirit Iara.
- Pop culture
Actress Yara Shahidi.
Spelling variants
- Iara
- Yarah
- Iyara
Names with the same feeling
See Yara from another angle
By meaning