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Iris

/EYE-ris/

Iris is a girl name of Greek origin, meaning Rainbow.

  • GenderGirl
  • OriginGreek
  • StyleOriginal
  • Syllables2
  • US rank#118

What does Iris mean?

Rainbow

Iris is the Greek word for rainbow, and the name of the goddess who personified it. The flower and the coloured part of the eye are both named after her, for the same reason.

The story behind the name

In the Iliad, Iris is the messenger of the gods, travelling between Olympus and earth along the rainbow. Where Hermes carries messages for Zeus, Iris more often serves Hera.

The flower gave the name a second life during the Victorian vogue for botanical names, and the fleur-de-lis of French heraldry is a stylised iris.

Iris is currently a top-twenty name in the Netherlands and is rising in the English-speaking world and in France.

Notable people named Iris

  • Iris, Greek goddess of the rainbow
  • Iris Murdoch, novelist and philosopher
  • Iris Apfel, designer

How popular is Iris?

Popularity in the United States

Iris has been given to 86,838 babies in the United States since 1880, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.

About 1 in 759 babies born in the United States were given this name in the most recent year on record.

01,0952,190188019502020
Babies named Iris per year in the United States, 1880–2020. Source: Social Security Administration

Popularity in France

Iris has been given to 20,124 babies in France since 1901, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.

01,0052,009190119612022
Babies named Iris per year in France, 1901–2022. Source: INSEE

Popularity in Spain

There are 13,279 people called Iris living in Spain, with an average age of 19.6.

86,838 Babies named since 1880
2010s Peak decade
Rising Recent trend

Variants and related names

Other spellings: Irisa, Irida

Related names: Ivy, Isla, Lily, Flora, Violet

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Frequently asked questions about Iris

What does the name Iris mean?

Iris means Rainbow. It is of Greek origin.

Is Iris a boy's or a girl's name?

Iris is most often given to girls.

How do you pronounce Iris?

Iris is pronounced EYE-ris.

How popular is the name Iris?

Iris has been given to 86,838 babies in the United States since 1880, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.

What are other spellings of Iris?

Common variants include Irisa, Irida.