Choosing a name for your baby is a significant decision, steeped in meaning and history. The name Irene offers a classic and elegant choice with a rich background. This article delves into the popularity of the name Irene, its origins, variations, and other names that resonate with its peaceful essence.
The name Irene comes from the Greek word "Eirene," which means "peace." In Greek mythology, Eirene was the goddess of peace, further emphasizing the name’s tranquil connotations. This association with peace makes Irene a timeless choice, representing hope for a harmonious future for your child.
Irene Name Popularity
How popular is the name Irene? Let’s explore its historical trends:
The popularity data, sourced from SSA.gov, reveals a fascinating journey for the name Irene. The early 20th century saw Irene as a highly favored name, consistently ranking within the top 25 names for girls. Its peak popularity occurred between 1910 and the late 1920s, reflecting a widespread appeal during that era.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 21 | 3,269 | 0.9285% |
| 1915 | 17 | 8,316 | 0.9153% |
| 1920 | 17 | 10,070 | 0.9057% |
| 1925 | 19 | 9,436 | 0.8348% |
| 1930 | 33 | 6,458 | 0.6182% |
| 1940 | 73 | 3,392 | 0.3191% |
| 1950 | 92 | 3,821 | 0.2373% |
| 1960 | 187 | 2,015 | 0.1063% |
| 1970 | 274 | 1,042 | 0.0655% |
| 1980 | 299 | 795 | 0.0544% |
| 1990 | 391 | 629 | 0.0379% |
| 2000 | 467 | 549 | 0.0359% |
| 2010 | 679 | 370 | 0.0257% |
| 2020 | 621 | 415 | 0.0326% |
| 2023 | 672 | 395 | 0.0305% |
From the 1930s onward, Irene’s popularity gradually declined, though it remained a recognizable and respected name. While no longer a chart-topper, it maintains a steady presence, suggesting a enduring appeal that transcends fleeting trends.
The graph for District of Columbia shows the number of births from the year 1910 to 2023. The births in District of Columbia were higher in the year 1922. The values are in the data-chart-values in the provided code.
Names Like Irene
If you are drawn to Irene’s elegance and meaning, consider these similar names:
Variants of Irene: Exploring different spellings and pronunciations can provide a unique twist.
- Aireen (Greek, Peace)
- Airina (Greek, Peace)
- Arina (Greek, Peace)
- Eireen
- Eiren (Greek, Peace)
- Eirena (Greek, Peace)
- Eirene (Greek, Peace)
- Erena (Greek, Peace)
- Erene (Greek, Peace)
- Ira (Greek, Peace)
- Irayna (Greek, Peace)
- Ireen (Greek, Peace)
- Iren (Greek, Peace)
- Irena (Greek, Peace)
- Irenea (Greek, Peace)
- Irenee (Greek, Peace)
- Irenka (Greek, Peace)
- Iriana (Greek, Peace)
- Irina (Greek, Peace)
- Irine (Greek, Peace)
- Iryna (Greek, Peace)
- Orina (Greek, Peace)
- Oryna (Greek, Peace)
- Rena (Hebrew, Melody)
- Rene (Greek)
- Renie (Latin, Peace; Reborn)
- Rina (Latin, Beloved; Peace; Pure; Queen; Melody; Joyful)
- Yarina (Russian)
Names That Sound Like Irene: These options share a similar auditory quality.
- Aren (Gaelic, Ireland)
- Arena (English)
- Arene (Greek, Most Holy)
- Aurene (Latin, Golden)
- Jorene (American)
- Orane (French, Sunrise)
- Urena (Hebrew, Brightness)
Similar Names: Consider these for a slightly different feel.
- Nitsa (German)
Siblings of Irene
If you already have a child named Irene, these names are found in families with an Irene:
- Gabriel (Hebrew, God is my strength)
- Kyla (English, Narrow strait)
- Mariana (Spanish, Of the sea)
- Sebastian (Greek, Venerable or honorable)
- Ezra (Hebrew, Help)
Conclusion
The name Irene is a beautiful and meaningful choice for a baby girl. Its rich history, association with peace, and diverse variations make it a timeless classic. Whether you are drawn to its Greek origins or simply appreciate its elegant sound, Irene offers a name that will carry grace and tranquility throughout your child’s life.