Irene

Greek for peace; a calm, graceful name.

Irene - Significance, Roots, Popularity and Related Names

IRENE is a classic Greek name meaning “peace,” symbolizing calm, harmony, and grace. This page explores its meaning and origin, gender usage, popularity trends, and related names.

Gender Female
Origin Greek
Meaning Peace,tranquility
Popularity Uncommon

Meaning of the Name Irene

The name Irene holds the meaning of peace. It is derived from the Greek word 'eirene,' which directly translates to tranquility and harmony. Often associated with a serene and calming demeanor, the name denotes an imagery of calmness and a benevolent presence. Thus, Irene is frequently connected to qualities of peace and grace in various cultures and traditions.

Origin of the Name Irene

The name Irene finds its roots in Greek mythology, where 'Eirene' was the goddess of peace. This name carries a rich historical significance, as it was not only prevalent in ancient Greek language but also widely adopted throughout European regions. The enduring allure of this name has crossed cultural barriers, allowing it to thrive in various forms across western and eastern societies.

Irene Artistic Name Tattoo Design Collection

Watercolor tattoo concept of the name irene in flowing multicolor paint on white background

Irene Watercolor Dreamflow Tattoo Concept

A soft watercolor tattoo concept where Irene appears as fluid, multicolor calligraphy made entirely of paint textures and splashes.

Surrealist tattoo concept of the name irene as twisting impossible architecture on white background

Irene Surrealism Dimension Twist Tattoo Design

A surrealist tattoo design where Irene becomes a series of impossible structures, stairs, and portals in a dreamlike composition.

Trash Polka tattoo concept of the name irene with bold black and red ink on white background

Irene Trash Polka Contrast Shock Tattoo Concept

A bold Trash Polka tattoo concept where Irene is built from black brushstrokes, red shapes, and fragmented textures in a graphic layout.

Black linework tattoo concept of the name irene with ornamental flourishes on white background

Irene AI-Original-Style Immersive Flow Tattoo Design

A refined AI-Original-Style tattoo where Irene flows into ornamental linework and dotwork, creating an elegant monochrome composition.

Gender Association of the Name Irene

While predominantly used as a female name, Irene has occasionally appeared as a male given name in different contexts. Across regions like Western Europe and Latin America, it remains largely a feminine name. Famous women like Irene Adler, a character in Sherlock Holmes, affirm its longstanding female association. Despite this, its simple elegance holds a potential appeal for unisex naming trends.

Popularity of the Name Irene

Historically, the name Irene enjoyed immense popularity in the early to mid-20th century, especially within the United States, ranking within the top 100 names. While its popularity has fluctuated over the decades, regions of Europe continue to embrace its classic charm. Its renaissance in popularity often reflects trends towards vintage and timeless names in contemporary naming conventions.

Global Usage of the Name Irene

Irene is globally recognized, with variations and adaptations in several cultures including Spain where it's commonly pronounced as 'Ee-reh-neh'. In Italy and France, it maintains a melodic appeal as 'Ee-ray-nay'. The universal adaptability of Irene highlights its streamlined elegance, making it a favored choice transculturally and linguistically.

Global Distribution & Gender Ratio

Usage and gender distribution of the name Irene across different countries, based on data from GenderAPI.

Indonesia 15.94%
♀ Female: 99.69% ♂ Male: 0.31%
United States 15.41%
♀ Female: 99.52% ♂ Male: 0.48%
Spain 7.5%
♀ Female: 99.51% ♂ Male: 0.49%
Malaysia 7.26%
♀ Female: 99.83% ♂ Male: 0.17%
Italy 7.07%
♀ Female: 99.65% ♂ Male: 0.35%

Country-specific analyses of gender and popularity are derived from Gender API data.

Similar Names Related with the Name Irene

  1. E

    Eirene

    Eirene is the original Greek form of Irene, closely tied to the concept of peace.

  2. N

    Noreen

    Noreen, akin phonetically, carries meanings of light and honour.

Characteristic Features of People Named Irene

Peaceful

Individuals named Irene are often seen as mediators, striving to maintain balance and tranquility in their environment.

Graceful

They embody elegance and poised demeanor, reflective of the name’s core meaning linked to peace.

Compassionate

Known for their empathetic nature, Irenes frequently offer support and guidance to those in need.

Intelligent

They are perceived as insightful, with a keen ability to analyze and understand complex situations.

Diplomatic

Possessing a natural talent for negotiation, they handle disputes with tact and respect for all viewpoints.

Creative

Their innovative mindset often leads them to explore artistic or novel pursuits, expressing originality.

Loyal

Irene tends to form strong bonds with those around her, valuing trust and dependability in relationships.

Common Career Paths for People Named Irene

Artistic Fields

Many Irenes find their calling in art, design, or music, where they can channel their creative instincts and contribute inventive ideas.

Healthcare

With their compassionate nature, numerous Irenes excel as nurses, therapists, or healers, caring for others with empathy.

Education

As educators, they inspire and mentor, fostering learning environments filled with understanding and progress.

Public Relations

Their diplomatic skills serve well in PR roles, where building relationships and maintaining good communications is crucial.

Social Work

Driven to help communities, many engage in social services, advocating for social justice and community well-being.

Writing

With a flair for narrative, many Irenes pursue writing, bringing stories and concepts to life through their words.

Human Resources

Their interpersonal skills and fairness make them adept at managing HR duties, resolving workplace dynamics amicably.

Unique and Interesting Characteristics of the Name Irene

  1. Mythological Roots

    Irene, as the Greek goddess of peace, has been a notable figure in mythology, representing one of the Horae.

  2. Historical Use

    In Byzantium, Irene of Athens was the sole empress who reigned as ruler, known for her impactful policies.

  3. Cult Film Presence

    The name gained cinematic fame with the film 'Irene' in 1940, starring actress Anna Neagle as the lead character.

  4. Music References

    'Goodnight Irene,' a folk song by Leadbelly, has been an enduring cultural touchstone with multiple covers.

  5. Cultural Variance

    Across various cultures, the name transforms yet retains its core association with peace and well-being.

  6. Classic Literature

    Irene Adler remains a prominent character from Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series.

Famous People Named Irene

  • Irene Dunne: Acclaimed American actress known for her work in films during the 1930s and 1940s.
  • Irene Cara: Renowned American singer and actress, famous for the hit song 'Flashdance… What a Feeling'.
  • Irene Adler: Fictional character from the Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
  • Irene Papas: Esteemed Greek actress and singer, recognized for her prolific career on both stage and screen.
  • Irene Khan: A noted Bangladeshi lawyer and human rights advocate.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Name Irene

Answers to the most common questions people ask about the name Irene.

What is the significance of the name Irene?

The name Irene means peace, deriving from the Greek word 'eirene'.

Where does the name Irene originate?

Irene has Greek origins and is named after the Greek goddess of peace.

Is Irene a unisex name?

While mostly a female name, Irene can be used for males in various regions.

How popular is the name Irene?

Irene has seen varying popularity, especially in the US and Europe.

How is the name Irene used globally?

Irene is used worldwide, with variations in Spain, Italy, and France.

What professions are people named Irene attracted to?

Irenes often pursue careers in arts, healthcare, and education.

What characteristics are associated with the name Irene?

Irenes are often seen as peaceful, graceful, and diplomatic.

What are similar names to Irene?

Similar names include Irina, Eirene, and Serene.

Who are some famous people named Irene?

Famous Irenes include actress Irene Dunne and singer Irene Cara.