Irene

♀ Girl

Pronounced eye-REEN /aɪˈriːn/High

Meaning: From Greek Eirene meaning peace; Eirene was the goddess of peace in Greek mythology, one of the Horae, the goddesses of the seasons and social orderHigh

In 30 seconds: A serene two-syllable Greek name meaning peace, Irene was borne by a goddess and two Byzantine empresses. It was a mid-century staple now ripe for revival.

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Origin HighGreek

MeaningFrom Greek Eirene meaning peace; Eirene was the goddess of peace in Greek mythology, one of the Horae, the goddesses of the seasons and social order

U.S. rank (2025)#651 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births442 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1921

Total births (all-time)≈ 355,446

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Irene derives from Greek Eirene, the personification and goddess of peace. She was one of the three Horae (goddesses of the seasons) alongside Dike (justice) and Eunomia (law). The name passed through Latin into Christian usage, aided by the veneration of several early Christian martyrs named Irene.

In the English-speaking world, Irene was most popular in the early-to-mid 20th century, peaking in the U.S. around the 1920s when the song Good Night, Irene was popular. It gave the name a warm, homey resonance. Today Irene is considered a classic in gentle revival, favored by parents who appreciate its elegant meaning and understated Edwardian charm.

Did you know? Irene of Athens (c. 752–803) was the first woman to rule the Byzantine Empire as sole emperor — she called herself basileus (king) rather than basilissa (queen) to assert full imperial authority.

Overall data confidence 97%

Behind the Name — Irene — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

EireneIrinaIrenaRena

Nicknames

ReneRenieReenie

Famous Bearers

★Irene of Athens (c. 752–803)
Byzantine empress, the first woman to rule the empire as sole emperor.
★Irene Dunne (1898–1990)
American actress and singer of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

If you like Irene…

Adeline— shares the same Edwardian vintage-revival appeal and soft, graceful character

Dorothy— fellow early 20th-century American classic now warmly revived

Helen— another short Greek classic with the same elegant timelessness and peaceable feel

Eleanor— shares the same dignified vintage quality and the same gentle revival trajectory

Frequently Asked

What does the name Irene mean?

Irene means peace, from Greek Eirene. In mythology Eirene was the goddess of peace, one of the Horae.

How do you pronounce Irene?

The standard English pronunciation is eye-REEN /aɪˈriːn/ — two syllables with stress on the second.

Is Irene an old-fashioned name?

Irene peaked in the U.S. in the 1920s and is now considered a gentle vintage classic, appreciated for its simple peace meaning and Edwardian elegance.

What are nicknames for Irene?

Common nicknames include Rene, Renie, and Reenie.