Irene Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Irene is a name of Greek origin, meaning 'peace'. It evolved from the ancient Greek 'Eirēnē' and has passed through various forms in Latin and other languages. The name is associated with calmness and grace, and while it has biblical relevance, it is primarily linked to saints and historical figures. Irene has maintained its presence in modern naming trends and is viewed positively.
The name Irene is most popular in North Dakota, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Irene has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Irene' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1220th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1398th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2584th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5548th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8362nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 23106th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 19th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 58th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 146th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 276th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 384th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 572nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 646th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Irene' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Irene"
Pronunciation
/aɪˈriːn/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Irene is derived from the Greek word 'eirēnē', which means 'peace'. It was used in ancient times and was often associated with the personification of peace in Greek mythology.
Meaning
peace
Language Evolution
Eirēnē (Ancient Greek), Irene (Latin), Irena (Late Latin and various languages)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Christian world due to the association with Saint Irene, a martyr of the early Christian church, and it has been used in various cultures since the Middle Ages.
Variants & Derivatives
Irena, Irina, Rina
Modern Popularity & Image
Irene is perceived as a classic and elegant name, often associated with grace and tranquility. It remains moderately popular in various countries.
Famous People
Irene Adler (fictional character from Sherlock Holmes), Irene Joliot-Curie (French physicist), Irene Dunne (American actress)
Explore More Irene Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Irene"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Irene"
"Irene" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1220th of 7545 | 552 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1398th of 6773 | 433 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2584th of 7552 | 191 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5548th of 10718 | 52 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 8362nd of 16616 | 52 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 23106th of 23106 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 19th of 9107 | 168,426 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 58th of 9204 | 78,633 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 146th of 12526 | 48,513 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 276th of 19264 | 15,457 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 384th of 27321 | 10,550 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 572nd of 35406 | 8,073 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 646th of 30306 | 5,465 |
Regional Popularity of "Irene" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
91.44% 1261st/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
71.21% 1108th/1556 |
74.67% 1757th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
68.91% 1966th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
60.78% 2458th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Irene" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
1.06% 15th/1416 |
1.67% 23rd/1379 |
1.48% 35th/2366 |
2.19% 25th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
4.46% 69th/1546 |
2.89% 45th/1556 |
3.57% 84th/2353 |
3.04% 47th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
8.94% 199th/2227 |
5.06% 123rd/2430 |
5.82% 166th/2853 |
4.18% 116th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
13.42% 394th/2937 |
6.60% 230th/3483 |
9.32% 328th/3518 |
4.45% 180th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
15.50% 571st/3685 |
8.49% 380th/4475 |
10.13% 526th/5194 |
3.88% 245th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
16.52% 757th/4582 |
9.82% 507th/5164 |
10.91% 798th/7313 |
5.08% 379th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
17.55% 699th/3984 |
14.17% 636th/4487 |
11.98% 817th/6822 |
7.47% 469th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Irene"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Irene" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.