Yara

How to say it

ˈjɑːr.ə

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.

How to spell Yara

The standard spelling is Yara. Common variants include Iara, Yarah, Iyara, but Yara is the most widely used form.

Heads-up notes

• Spelling

  Arabic 'butterfly'; also the Brazilian water spirit Iara.

• Pop culture

  Actress Yara Shahidi.

Who's worn it

• Yara Shahidi American actress known for Black-ish and its spin-off Grown-ish

Spelling variants

• Iara
• Yarah
• Iyara

Names with the same feeling

• Nyla Winner, achiever
• Layla Night, dark beauty
• Amara Grace, or 'eternal'
• Maya Illusion, or 'water'
• Zara Blooming, or 'princess'

See Yara from another angle

Common questions

What does the name Yara mean?

Arabic, 'small butterfly,' and a water spirit of Brazilian Tupi legend.

What does Yara mean in Arabic?

In Arabic, Yara means "Small butterfly; water lady." 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.

How do you pronounce Yara?

Yara is pronounced ˈjɑːr.ə. Say it as YAR-a, with the stress on the "yar" syllable.

How do you spell Yara?

The standard spelling is Yara. Common spelling variants include Iara, Yarah, Iyara.

Is Yara a boy or girl name?

Yara is traditionally a feminine name.

How popular is the name Yara?

Yara ranked #507 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.