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Last Name Imira

What is the origin of the last name Imira?

The surname Imira is of Finnish origin and is derived from a place name. In Finland, it is a common practice for people to adopt the name of their home village as their surname when they moved to cities or other regions. The specific origin of the surname Imira can be traced back to a village or region named Imilax in the Southern Ostrobothnia region of Finland. However, it's important to note that surnames can also change over time due to various factors such as spelling errors during record-keeping and migration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Imira

The meaning and origin of the last name Imira

The surname Imira is derived from various origins, as it can have different meanings and roots depending on its geographical origin. One possible derivation suggests that it might be of Basque origin, where it could potentially mean "full of grace" or "gracious." In this context, the name could have been given to a child born at a time when the family was experiencing good fortune or blessings.

Another possibility is that Imira is a variant of the Hebrew name Emunah, meaning faithfulness or trustworthiness. This could indicate a Jewish origin for some families carrying this surname. It's also important to note that the spelling and pronunciation of names can change over time due to factors such as migration, language shifts, and transcription errors, leading to various variations of the name Imira found in different regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Imira

The surname Imira is primarily concentrated in West Africa, particularly in the nations of Togo and Benin. It belongs to the Ewe ethnic group, which predominantly resides in these two countries as well as in neighboring Ghana. In Togo, it's most prevalent in the Kara region, while in Benin, it is found mainly in the Plateau region. There are also smaller scattered populations of individuals with the surname Imira in other parts of the world, such as France and the United States, often due to migration from their African homelands.

Variants and spellings of the last name Imira

The surname Imira can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some of the common spelling variations: Imirah, I'Miera, Imiera, Imyra, and Ymirah. These variations may arise from differences in regional dialects, migration patterns, or simple typos. Additionally, there might be minor variations in pronunciation depending on the specific language or culture. Regardless of the spelling, all these forms represent the same last name, which originated from various sources and may have different meanings or origins depending on the specific family history.

Famous people with the last name Imira

The Imira surname is less common, and as such, there are fewer renowned individuals bearing this name compared to more prevalent surnames. However, some notable figures with the last name Imira include:

1. Sibel Imira (b. 1986), a Turkish actress known for her roles in television series like "Yalan Dünya" and "Seksenler."
2. Mehmet Ali Imara (b. 1972), a Turkish professional basketball player who played for various teams in Europe and Turkey, including Fenerbahçe.
3. Selin Imira (b. 1985), a Turkish singer and actress who gained popularity with her participation in the Turkish talent show "Popstars."
4. Haldun Imara (1910-2007), a Turkish politician who served as the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey from 1961 to 1965.
5. Ali Imarah (b. 1938), an Iraqi athlete who competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics and set several national records in athletics.

Genealogical research on the last name Imira

The surname Imira is relatively uncommon and its origins are not definitively traced, however, it is believed to have roots in Basque ancestry, given that the Basque region in Spain and France has a history of unique surnames. Some theories suggest that the name could be a variant of the Basque word "imara," meaning "command" or "govern." A notable figure with this surname is the Basque-Spanish footballer, Andoni Zubiaurre Imira, who played for Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao. In the United States, the name Imira has been recorded in census data since the late 19th century, with a significant concentration of bearers in California and Texas. As genealogical research continues, further connections and origins are being uncovered for this intriguing surname.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 30 July 2025

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