What does Irene mean and where does it come from?
Irene is of Greek origin, derived from 'Ειρήνη' (Eirene), meaning peace. In Greek mythology, Eirene was one of the Horae, goddesses of the seasons and the natural order. The name became popular in early Christian communities and has been widely used throughout Europe, especially during the Middle Ag
Cultural significance
Irene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of peace.
Peak popularity
Reached #16 in 1918 — currently #651 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Irene?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Irene?
Irene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Irene Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Irene Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Irene Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Irene Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Irene Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Irene Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Irene right now?
Declining — down 16 spots — currently #651 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #651 | 442 | ▼ down 16 · -5% births |
| 2024 | #635 | 465 | ▲ up 40 · +7% births |
| 2023 | #675 | 435 | ▼ down 14 · -3% births |
| 2022 | #661 | 448 | ▲ up 13 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #674 | 438 | ▼ down 50 · -5% births |
| 2020 | #624 | 462 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2015 | #629 | 452 | ▲ up 66 · +10% births |
| 2010 | #695 | 410 | ▼ down 115 · -16% births |
| 2005 | #580 | 490 | ▼ down 118 · -18% births |
| 2000 | #462 | 600 | ▼ down 36 · -1% births |
| 1995 | #426 | 608 | ▼ down 41 · -11% births |
| 1990 | #385 | 685 | ▼ down 30 · +3% births |
| 1985 | #355 | 666 | ▼ down 63 · -21% births |
| 1980 | #292 | 848 | ▲ up 25 · +18% births |
| 1975 | #317 | 721 | — |
The story of Irene
Irene has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #16 in 1918. More than 354,472 babies have been named Irene since 1880. Once ranked #102 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #675 in 2023. Irene is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Irene in 1918:
Irene by decade
Irene peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 4,007 | |
| 1890s | 13,672 | |
| 1900s | 23,752 | |
| 1910s | 69,162 | |
| 1920s ★ | 93,191 | |
| 1930s | 44,694 | |
| 1940s | 31,963 | |
| 1950s | 27,075 | |
| 1960s | 15,484 | |
| 1970s | 8,318 | |
| 1980s | 7,152 | |
| 1990s | 5,969 | |
| 2000s | 5,119 | |
| 2010s | 4,452 | |
| 2020s | 1,369 | |
What are good nicknames for Irene?
Famous people named Irene
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Irene (Greek poet or artist)
Irene helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
I(
Irene (ancient philosopher)
Irene bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
I(
Irene (modern Greek athlete)
Irene brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
I(
Irene (ancient philosopher)
Irene bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Irene?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Irene also consider these
How is Irene written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Irene
What does the name Irene mean?
Irene means "peace" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Irene?
Irene is currently ranked #675 as a baby 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 Irene?
Irene originates from Greek tradition. Greek 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 Irene?
Irene is a two-syllable name pronounced eye-REEN. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Irene more of a girl or boy name?
Irene is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.