Irene

Pronunciation: [ eyer-EEN ]

Girl Name #638 Most Popular Rising 3 Syllables

The Greek goddess of peace, vintage and quietly rising

Greek English Spanish Italian

Classic Vintage Elegant Gentle Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"peace"

Origin: Ancient Greek (eirene)

Language: English

"peace, tranquility"

Origin: Greek goddess Eirene

Language: Greek

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.

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

Famous People Named Irene

Irene Dunne

Actor

1898

Classic Hollywood actress, five-time Academy Award nominee

Irene Joliot-Curie

Scientist

1897

French physicist and Nobel laureate, daughter of Marie Curie, co-discovered artificial radioactivity

Irene Adler Fictional

Other

The only woman to outwit Sherlock Holmes in Arthur Conan Doyle's A Scandal in Bohemia

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

Irena #4195

Common Nicknames

Renie Rina

Pairs Well With

Irene Grace Irene Mae Irene Louise Irene Claire Irene Beth Irene Rose

Sibling Names

Theodore Agnes Walter Cora Ernest Nora

Also a Boy Name

Irene is also used as a boy name, ranked #31549.

View Irene as a boy name →

Similar Names

Inez Rena Mina Kathleen Ira Aileen Reina Aleen

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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.

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.