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Iris Girl

Popularity: #71 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationEYE-ris / /ˈaɪ.rɪs/

Greek; Latin

Meaning

Greek: rainbow; Latin: a flower

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Iris has its roots in ancient Greek, derived from the word 'iris,' meaning 'rainbow.' In Greek mythology, Iris was the personification of the rainbow and a messenger of the gods, particularly associated with Hera. The name entered Latin as 'Iris,' maintaining its original meaning, and subsequently made its way into Old French before being adopted into Middle English. This etymological journey reflects the name's deep ties to nature and mythology, emphasizing beauty and connection between the divine and the earthly realms.

Historically, the name Iris has been borne by various notable figures, including saints and scholars. One of the earliest references can be traced to the 4th century, with Saint Iris, a lesser-known Christian martyr. The name also appears in classical literature, notably in works by poets such as Homer, where the goddess Iris is depicted as a swift messenger, further cementing the name's association with communication and transition. The Renaissance period saw a revival of interest in classical names, including Iris, as scholars and artists sought inspiration from ancient texts and mythology.

Culturally, Iris has been associated with various symbolic meanings, including hope, faith, and the connection between heaven and earth, largely due to its mythological roots. The flower named after the goddess, the iris, has also been a symbol of wisdom and courage throughout history, often appearing in art and literature. The name has several diminutive forms, such as Risa or Isa, which have been used in various cultures, reflecting the name's adaptability and enduring appeal across different societies.

Trend Summary

Iris has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, ranking among the top 100 names for girls in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Iry
  • Irie

International Variants

  • Iris (Spanish)
  • Iris (Italian)
  • Iris (Dutch)

Famous people named Iris

Iris Apfel is a businesswoman and fashion icon best known for her unique style, interior design, and collaborations with various fashion brands.

Iris Murdoch is a novelist and philosopher best known for The Sea, The Sea, and A Severed Head.

Iris Dement is a singer-songwriter best known for her albums Infamous Angel, My Life, and The Trackless Woods.

Iris Chang is an author best known for her book The Rape of Nanking and her work on World War II history.

Iris Berben is an actress best known for her roles in the films The Black Forest and The Last Train.

Fictional characters named Iris

Iris West is a fictional character from the comic book series The Flash. She is a journalist and the love interest of the superhero Barry Allen, playing a crucial role in his life and adventures.

Iris is a fictional character from the anime and manga series Digimon Tamers. They are one of the main characters who partners with a Digimon and helps to combat the threats posed by rogue Digimon.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Iris was first seen in the United States in 1880. Iris has ranked as high as #180 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, North Carolina, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Iris has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Iris (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 394
13%
TX 306
10%
FL 129
4%
OH 128
4%
NY 119
4%
IL 113
4%
NC 102
3%
PA 99
3%
GA 97
3%
TN 93
3%
IN 92
3%
WA 87
3%
AZ 81
3%
MO 79
3%
VA 71
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188011
18818
18825
18837
188414
188515
188612
188710
188817
188920
189019
189125
189229
189328
189428
189544
189649
189756
189852
189944
190062
190146
190252
190365
190484
1905100
1906123
1907136
1908131
1909138
1910143
1911173
1912220
1913310
1914425
1915563
1916577
1917617
1918655
1919677
1920633
1921700
1922653
1923875
1924887
1925947
1926965
19271,021
19281,010
1929981
1930938
1931895
1932850
1933765
1934823
1935817
1936788
1937779
1938731
1939749
1940750
1941700
1942774
1943711
1944717
1945645
1946797
1947865
1948935
1949920
1950986
1951893
1952920
1953922
1954819
1955888
1956977
1957901
1958796
1959769
1960777
1961710
1962660
1963556
1964535
1965509
1966435
1967435
1968585
1969604
1970645
1971539
1972436
1973513
1974391
1975414
1976430
1977374
1978449
1979492
1980504
1981489
1982471
1983389
1984472
1985467
1986486
1987433
1988487
1989541
1990610
1991641
1992564
1993539
1994519
1995491
1996453
1997481
1998570
1999674
2000685
2001733
2002772
2003786
2004832
2005879
2006880
20071,066
2008973
20091,037
20101,011
20111,051
20121,134
20131,251
20141,330
20151,509
20161,751
20171,990
20182,128
20192,193
20202,177
20212,581
20222,933
20232,936
20243,124