Girl · 19th of 9,107
Irene
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
356,354
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1921
Peak Popularity Year
10,657
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Irene stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Irene is a name of Greek origin, meaning 'peace'. It evolved from the ancient Greek 'Eirēnē' and has passed through various forms in Latin and other languages. The name is associated with calmness and grace, and while it has biblical relevance, it is primarily linked to saints and historical figures. Irene has maintained its presence in modern naming trends and is viewed positively.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/aɪˈriːn/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Irene is derived from the Greek word 'eirēnē', which means 'peace'. It was used in ancient times and was often associated with the personification of peace in Greek mythology.
Meaning
peace
Language Evolution
Eirēnē (Ancient Greek), Irene (Latin), Irena (Late Latin and various languages)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Christian world due to the association with Saint Irene, a martyr of the early Christian church, and it has been used in various cultures since the Middle Ages.
Variants & Derivatives
Irena, Irina, Rina
Modern Popularity & Image
Irene is perceived as a classic and elegant name, often associated with grace and tranquility. It remains moderately popular in various countries.
Famous People
Irene Adler (fictional character from Sherlock Holmes), Irene Joliot-Curie (French physicist), Irene Dunne (American actress)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 10,657 peak births in 1921
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in North Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 24 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 13 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1220th of 7545 | 552 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1398th of 6773 | 433 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2584th of 7552 | 191 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5548th of 10718 | 52 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 8362nd of 16616 | 52 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 23106th of 23106 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 19th of 9107 | 168,426 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 58th of 9204 | 78,633 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 146th of 12526 | 48,513 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 276th of 19264 | 15,457 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 384th of 27321 | 10,550 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 572nd of 35406 | 8,073 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 646th of 30306 | 5,465 |