What does Iris mean and where does it come from?
Iris originates from Ancient Greek mythology, where Iris was the personification of the rainbow and a messenger of the gods. In botany, Iris is a genus of flowering plants that boast diverse colors, adding to the name's beauty. The name has been consistently popular in various cultures and has seen
Cultural significance
Iris has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of rainbow.
Peak popularity
Reached #61 in 2025 — currently #61 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Iris?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Iris?
Iris works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Iris Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Iris Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Iris Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Iris Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Iris Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Iris Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Iris right now?
Rising — up 11 spots — currently #61 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #61 | 3,729 | ▲ up 11 · +19% births |
| 2024 | #72 | 3,136 | ▲ up 6 · +7% births |
| 2023 | #78 | 2,936 | ▲ up 6 |
| 2022 | #84 | 2,933 | ▲ up 24 · +14% births |
| 2021 | #108 | 2,581 | ▲ up 19 · +20% births |
| 2020 | #127 | 2,159 | ▲ up 90 · +44% births |
| 2015 | #217 | 1,502 | ▲ up 98 · +49% births |
| 2010 | #315 | 1,010 | ▲ up 42 · +15% births |
| 2005 | #357 | 878 | ▲ up 55 · +28% births |
| 2000 | #412 | 685 | ▲ up 87 · +40% births |
| 1995 | #499 | 491 | ▼ down 82 · -19% births |
| 1990 | #417 | 609 | ▲ up 42 · +30% births |
| 1985 | #459 | 467 | ▼ down 31 · -7% births |
| 1980 | #428 | 504 | ▲ up 28 · +22% births |
| 1975 | #456 | 414 | — |
The story of Iris
Iris has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 86,810 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #531 in 1880 to #78 in 2023. Iris is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Iris in 2025:
Iris by decade
Iris peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 119 | |
| 1890s | 374 | |
| 1900s | 942 | |
| 1910s | 4,432 | |
| 1920s | 8,784 | |
| 1930s | 8,241 | |
| 1940s | 7,880 | |
| 1950s | 8,942 | |
| 1960s | 5,855 | |
| 1970s | 4,709 | |
| 1980s | 4,796 | |
| 1990s | 5,586 | |
| 2000s | 8,649 | |
| 2010s ★ | 15,328 | |
| 2020s | 9,067 | |
What are good nicknames for Iris?
Famous people named Iris
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Iris (Greek poet or artist)
Iris helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
I(
Iris (ancient philosopher)
Iris bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
I(
Iris (Greek mythological figure)
Iris carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
I(
Iris (Byzantine leader)
Iris used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Iris?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Iris also consider these
How is Iris written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Iris
What does the name Iris mean?
Iris means "rainbow" — 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 Iris?
Iris is currently ranked #78 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Iris have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Iris?
Iris 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 Iris?
Iris is a two-syllable name pronounced EYE-rus. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Iris trending right now?
Iris is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.