Irene: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced eye-REEN · 2 syllables
Irene means “peace”, from Greek.
Borrowed from French Irene, from Ancient Greek (Eirene, “peace”), name of a goddess of peace, of early Christian saints, and of an 8th-century Byzantine empress. Doublet of Eirini.
- Meaning
- peace
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- eye-REEN
- US rank (2025)
- #651
- US babies a year
- about 447 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1900
- Style
- Vintage, Classic
How popular is Irene?
Irene was the #651 name in the US in 2025, given to 442 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1900.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #651 |
| Scotland | #992 |
| Ireland | #409 |
| France | #518 |
| Norway | #490 |
| Canada | #582 |
| Australia | #576 |
How old are people named Irene?
Half of US adults named Irene are older than 67; most are between 26 and 90. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Irene
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
- Helene
- Helen
- Margaret
- Agnes
- Eunice
- Marjorie
- Dorcas
- Bernice
- Dorothy
- Dorothea
- Dora
- Ellen
- Eugenia
- Pauline
- Aline
- Josephine
On these lists
Questions about Irene
What does the name Irene mean?
Irene means “peace”. It comes from Greek.
How do you pronounce Irene?
Irene is pronounced eye-REEN.
How popular is the name Irene?
Irene was the #651 name in the US in 2025, given to 442 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1900.
How old are people named Irene?
Half of US adults named Irene are older than 67. Most are between 26 and 90.