Cheerful or joyous
Alaira is a rare name likely derived from the Latin 'hilaris', meaning cheerful or glad. It shares the same etymological root as the name Hilary and the word hilarious, though it has evolved into a more modern, lyrical form. Its scarcity makes it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a melodic name with a positive connotation.
Less common today
Alaira isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #6,247 in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990βpresent (SSA data).