"peace"
Origin: Ancient Greek (eirene)
Language: English
Irene
Pronunciation: [ eyer-EEN ]
Does Irene flow with your last name?
The Greek goddess of peace, vintage and quietly rising
Greek
English
Spanish
Italian
Classic
Vintage
Elegant
Gentle
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"peace, tranquility"
Origin: Greek goddess Eirene
Language: Greek
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The Story of Irene
Irene derives from the Ancient Greek 'Eirene', the goddess of peace in Greek mythology, one of the three Horae (Hours) who presided over the seasons. The name passed into Latin and thence into most European languages, carried by early Christian saints. Saint Irene of Rome (died c. 304 AD) was a Roman martyr, and the Byzantine Empress Irene (797-802) was the first woman to rule the Eastern Roman Empire in her own name.
Irene was a top-20 name in the US from the 1900s through 1930s, beloved in the Jazz Age. It faded mid-century but is currently experiencing a stylish revival as part of the broader trend toward vintage names—Mabel, Agnes, and Dorothy are its companions in this renaissance.
In Greece, the name Eirene remains deeply connected to the concept of peace. In the Byzantine Empire, Empress Irene's reign represents one of history's most remarkable assertions of female power in the ancient world.
Historical Record
Irene first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 75,651 babies have been named Irene in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Irene is past its peak , currently ranked #638 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Irene was the Greek goddess of peace, one of the Horae alongside Justice and Order
- Empress Irene of Byzantium was the first woman to rule the Roman Empire in her own right (797-802 AD)
- Irene was a top-20 baby name in the US during the 1910s and 1920s
Irene in Other Languages
Greek
Eirene
Italian
Irene
Russian
Irina
Spanish
Irene
Japanese
Airin
Popularity Over Time
#638
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Irene
I
Irene Dunne
Actor
1898
Classic Hollywood actress, five-time Academy Award nominee
I
Irene Joliot-Curie
Scientist
1897
French physicist and Nobel laureate, daughter of Marie Curie, co-discovered artificial radioactivity
I
Irene Adler Fictional
Other
The only woman to outwit Sherlock Holmes in Arthur Conan Doyle's A Scandal in Bohemia
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #638
- Total SSA Count
- 461
- Cultural Origins
- Greek English Spanish Italian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Renie
Rina
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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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, 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
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Irene
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Irene is also used as a boy name, ranked #31549.
View Irene as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Greek)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Irene
What does the name Irene mean?
"peace" (from Ancient Greek (eirene)). "peace, tranquility" (from Greek goddess Eirene). Irene derives from the Ancient Greek 'Eirene', the goddess of peace in Greek mythology, one of the three Horae (Hours) who presided over the seasons. The name passed into Latin and thence into most European languages, carried by early Christian saints. Saint Irene of Rome (died c. 304 AD) was a Roman martyr, and the Byzantine Empress Irene (797-802) was the first woman to rule the Eastern Roman Empire in her own name.
What is the origin of the name Irene?
Irene has Ancient Greek (eirene), Greek goddess Eirene, Greek, English, Spanish, and Italian origins. In Ancient Greek (eirene), it means "peace". In Greek goddess Eirene, it means "peace, tranquility".
Is Irene a boy or girl name?
Irene is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #638. As a boy name, it is ranked #31549. Irene is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Irene?
Irene is pronounced eyer-EEN.
How popular is the name Irene?
Irene is currently ranked #638 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Irene?
Common nicknames for Irene include Renie and Rina.
What are good middle names for Irene?
Popular middle name pairings include Irene Grace, Irene Mae, Irene Louise, Irene Claire, Irene Beth, and Irene Rose.
What are good sibling names for Irene?
Names that pair well with Irene as siblings include Theodore, Agnes, Walter, Cora, Ernest, and Nora.
How many syllables does Irene have?
Irene has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Irene a common or rare name?
Irene is moderately common, ranked #638 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Irene?
Are there other spellings for Irene?
Related spellings include Irena.
About the Name Irene
Irene is a girl name with Greek, English, Spanish, and Italian origins . The name means "peace" in Ancient Greek (eirene) .
Is Irene a boy or girl name? Irene is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #638 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #31,549. Irene is more commonly used as a girl name.
Irene is currently ranked #638 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Irene has 3 syllables and is pronounced eyer-EEN, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Irene include Renie and Rina. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Irene include Irena . 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