What does Irena mean and where does it come from?
Irena is derived from the Greek name Eirene (Εἰρήνη), which means 'peace.' It has been widely adopted across various countries, including Poland and Russia, where it may be spelled as Irina. The name has been in use since antiquity and carries associations with calmness and tranquility. Irena has be
Cultural significance
Irena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of peace..
Peak popularity
Reached #585 in 1882 — currently #5305 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Irena?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Irena?
Irena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Irena Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Irena Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Irena Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Irena Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Irena Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Irena Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Irena right now?
Falling — down 1065 spots — currently #5305 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5305 | 24 | ▼ down 1065 · -29% births |
| 2024 | #4240 | 34 | ▲ up 1386 · +55% births |
| 2023 | #5626 | 22 | ▼ down 97 · -4% births |
| 2022 | #5529 | 23 | ▼ down 637 · -15% births |
| 2021 | #4892 | 27 | ▼ down 581 · -13% births |
| 2020 | #4311 | 31 | ▲ up 168 |
| 2015 | #4479 | 31 | ▲ up 1290 · +35% births |
| 2010 | #5769 | 23 | ▲ up 32 · +10% births |
| 2005 | #5801 | 21 | ▼ down 487 |
| 2000 | #5314 | 21 | ▼ down 466 · +5% births |
| 1995 | #4848 | 20 | ▲ up 2460 · +82% births |
| 1990 | #7308 | 11 | ▼ down 2662 · -31% births |
| 1985 | #4646 | 16 | ▲ up 335 · +14% births |
| 1980 | #4981 | 14 | ▼ down 1821 · -36% births |
| 1975 | #3160 | 22 | — |
The story of Irena
Irena has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 2,055 total births recorded, Irena remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #651 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #5626 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Irena in 1882:
Irena by decade
Irena peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 50 | |
| 1890s | 84 | |
| 1900s | 104 | |
| 1910s | 181 | |
| 1920s | 146 | |
| 1930s | 96 | |
| 1940s | 91 | |
| 1950s | 126 | |
| 1960s | 137 | |
| 1970s | 172 | |
| 1980s | 167 | |
| 1990s | 212 | |
| 2000s | 183 | |
| 2010s ★ | 275 | |
| 2020s | 89 | |
💎With 2,055 total births, Irena is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Irena?
What names sound and feel like Irena?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Irena also consider these
How is Irena written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Irena
What does the name Irena mean?
Irena means "peace." — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Irena?
Irena is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Irena?
Irena originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Irena?
Irena is a three-syllable name pronounced ir-AY-nuh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Irena?
Irena pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.