"rainbow"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Iris
Pronunciation: [ EYER-uhs ]
Does Iris flow with your last name?
The rainbow bridge between worlds
English
Dutch
American
Scandinavian
Unique
Whimsical
Bold
Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"messenger goddess"
Origin: Greek mythology
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Primarily perceived as a feminine name in English-speaking countries, which may cause social challenges for boys
The Story of Iris
Iris comes from the Greek word for rainbow. In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and a messenger between the gods and mortals. While long used as a feminine name in the Western world, Iris is considered gender-neutral in the Netherlands and is increasingly used for boys in progressive naming communities. The name is also associated with the iris flower and the iris of the eye.
Iris as a boy's name is uncommon in English-speaking countries but gaining quiet traction among parents who favor gender-fluid names. In the Netherlands, it has historically been used for both boys and girls. The name's association with color, nature, and mythology gives it cross-gender appeal.
In Greek mythology, Iris served as the divine messenger connecting heaven and earth via the rainbow — a bridge of color between worlds. In the Netherlands, Iris is one of the traditional gender-neutral names with centuries of use for boys.
Historical Record
Iris first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 394 babies have been named Iris in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Iris is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #5,812 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The iris of the human eye gets its name from the Greek word for rainbow, due to its variety of colors
- Iris was one of the only Olympian deities to travel to both the Underworld and the heavens
- The iris flower was named after the goddess because of its many colors
Iris in Other Languages
Dutch
Iris
Greek
Iris
French
Iris
German
Iris
Spanish
Iris
Popularity Over Time
#5,812
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,812
- Total SSA Count
- 16
- Cultural Origins
- English Dutch American Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Iris
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Iris is also used as a girl name, ranked #71.
View Iris as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Iris
What does the name Iris mean?
"rainbow" (from Greek). "messenger goddess" (from Greek mythology). Iris comes from the Greek word for rainbow. In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and a messenger between the gods and mortals. While long used as a feminine name in the Western world, Iris is considered gender-neutral in the Netherlands and is increasingly used for boys in progressive naming communities. The name is also associated with the iris flower and the iris of the eye.
What is the origin of the name Iris?
Iris has Greek, Greek mythology, English, Dutch, American, and Scandinavian origins. In Greek, it means "rainbow". In Greek mythology, it means "messenger goddess".
Is Iris a boy or girl name?
Iris is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #5812. As a girl name, it is ranked #71. Iris is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Iris?
Iris is pronounced EYER-uhs.
How popular is the name Iris?
Iris is currently ranked #5812 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Iris?
Popular middle name pairings include Iris James, Iris Cole, Iris River, Iris Grey, Iris Valor, and Iris Sage.
What are good sibling names for Iris?
Names that pair well with Iris as siblings include Indigo, Rowan, Sage, Violet, Jasper, and Onyx.
How many syllables does Iris have?
Iris has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Iris a common or rare name?
Iris is an uncommon name, ranked #5812 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Iris?
Are there other spellings for Iris?
Related spellings include Irie.
About the Name Iris
Iris is a boy name with English, Dutch, American, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "rainbow" in Greek .
Is Iris a boy or girl name? Iris is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #5,812 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #71. Iris is more commonly used as a girl name.
Iris is currently ranked #5,812 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Iris has 2 syllables and is pronounced EYER-uhs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Iris include Irie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis