Idris

♂ Boy

Pronounced ID-ris /ˈɪd.rɪs/High

Meaning: Ardent lord; studious one; from Arabic Idris meaning 'interpreter' or 'studious'; also a Welsh name meaning 'ardent lord' from udd (lord) and ris (ardent)High

In 30 seconds: A resonant name shared by Islamic tradition and Welsh mythology, Idris means 'studious' or 'ardent lord.' It bridges two rich cultures with a sound that feels both ancient and effortlessly modern.

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Origin HighArabic, Welsh

MeaningArdent lord; studious one; from Arabic Idris meaning 'interpreter' or 'studious'; also a Welsh name meaning 'ardent lord' from udd (lord) and ris (ardent)

U.S. rank (2025)#694 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births391 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 5,029

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Idris carries two independent etymological streams. In the Arabic Islamic tradition, Idris is the Quranic name for a prophet (possibly Enoch), from the root darasa meaning to study or interpret — hence 'the studious one.' In Welsh, Idris combines udd (lord, prince) and ris (ardent, enthusiastic), making it an entirely separate name meaning 'ardent lord.'

As a given name in the English-speaking world, Idris was long associated primarily with Welsh families and Muslim communities. It gained broader mainstream visibility through British actor Idris Elba, whose fame from The Wire and Luther brought the name to global awareness. It has been rising on U.S. and UK charts since the 2010s.

Did you know? In Islamic tradition, Idris is a prophet mentioned twice in the Quran, identified by many scholars with the biblical Enoch. In Welsh mythology, Cadair Idris — the Chair of Idris — is a famous mountain in Snowdonia, named after a giant warrior-poet of legend.

Overall data confidence 85%

Behind the Name — Idris — etymology and dual originsU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

IdrissEdris

Nicknames

Iddy

Famous Bearers

★Idris Elba (1972–present)
British actor known for The Wire, Luther, and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.

If you like Idris…

Elis— shares the Welsh heritage and crisp two-syllable Celt feel

Cyrus— another ancient name bridging Eastern and Western traditions with sleek modern appeal

Tariq— Arabic name with the same strong cross-cultural masculine character

Aris— short, punchy ancient name with a similar feel of classical authority

Frequently Asked

What does the name Idris mean?

Idris means 'studious' or 'interpreter' in Arabic (from darasa, to study) and 'ardent lord' in Welsh (from udd, lord, and ris, ardent). It is an independent name in both traditions.

How do you pronounce Idris?

Idris is pronounced ID-ris /ˈɪd.rɪs/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Idris a Muslim or Welsh name?

Idris is both. It is a Quranic prophet's name in Islamic tradition and a separate name from Welsh mythology meaning 'ardent lord.' The two share only a spelling.

Is Idris becoming more popular?

Yes. Idris has been rising in the UK and U.S. since the 2010s, significantly boosted by the fame of actor Idris Elba.