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Idris Boy

Popularity: #599 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationID-ris / /ˈɪdrɪs/

Arabic; Welsh

Meaning

Arabic: 'interpreter'; Welsh: 'ardent'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Idris has its roots in the Semitic languages, specifically deriving from the Arabic name إدريس (Idrīs). The etymology of Idris is often linked to the Hebrew name Enoch, which means 'dedicated' or 'trained.' This connection is significant as Idris is considered to be the Arabic equivalent of Enoch, a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Genesis. The name made its way into English through the Latin and Greek translations of the Bible, where Enoch is referred to as a prophet and a figure of righteousness, thus establishing a strong historical and religious significance.

Idris is recognized in Islamic tradition as a prophet, and his story is mentioned in the Quran, where he is noted for his wisdom and piety. The Quranic reference to Idris can be found in the 19th chapter, Surah Maryam, and the 21st chapter, Surah Al-Anbiya, where he is acknowledged as a messenger of God. The historical context of Idris within Islamic culture is further enriched by his association with knowledge and literacy, as he is often credited with the invention of writing and various sciences, which underscores his importance in Islamic scholarship.

Culturally, the name Idris carries connotations of wisdom and enlightenment, resonating deeply within Islamic and Arabic traditions. The enduring nature of the name can be attributed to its strong religious roots and the esteem in which Idris is held as a figure of virtue and intellect. Additionally, the name has various diminutive forms and variations across cultures, but its core significance remains tied to its origins in Semitic languages and its historical associations with prophetic figures.

Trend Summary

Idris has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past two decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Idrees
  • Idriss

International Variants

  • Idriss (Arabic)
  • Idris (Welsh)
  • Idriss (French)

Famous people named Idris

Idris Elba is an actor and producer best known for Luther, The Wire, and Pacific Rim.

Idris Muhammad is a musician best known for his work in jazz and funk, particularly with the albums Black Rhythm Revolution and House of the Rising Sun.

Fictional characters named Idris

Idris is a fictional character from the comic book series The Sandman. He is a member of the Endless, representing the concept of dreams and storytelling.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Idris was first seen in the United States in 1914. Idris has ranked as high as #1018 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in New York, California, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Idris has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Idris (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 42
16%
NY 37
14%
TX 36
13%
IL 22
8%
MD 15
6%
FL 13
5%
MI 13
5%
OH 11
4%
PA 11
4%
VA 11
4%
GA 10
4%
AZ 10
4%
MN 9
3%
NC 8
3%
MA 7
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19145
19517
197121
197233
197329
197422
197518
197627
197744
197839
197949
198033
198139
198234
198325
198438
198527
198622
198720
198825
198920
199018
199125
199228
199337
199433
199538
199646
199747
199844
199929
200029
200140
200235
200349
200439
200551
200652
200768
200874
2009106
2010101
2011114
2012139
2013139
2014147
2015138
2016179
2017191
2018216
2019263
2020277
2021274
2022329
2023319
2024347