Iris

♀ Girl

Pronounced EYE-riss /ˈaɪ.rɪs/High

Meaning: Rainbow; from Greek iris, the goddess of the rainbowHigh

In 30 seconds: A radiant Greek name meaning 'rainbow,' Iris was the goddess who linked heaven and earth as a divine messenger. Compact and colorful, it has staged a vibrant 21st-century comeback.

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Origin HighGreek

MeaningRainbow; from Greek iris, the goddess of the rainbow

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 79,651

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Iris comes directly from the Greek ἶρις (iris), meaning 'rainbow.' In Greek mythology Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and a messenger of the gods, flying between heaven and earth.

Iris entered wider use as a personal name in the Victorian era, partly through the fashion for flower names (the iris flower). It fell mid-century but has surged back strongly in the 21st century.

Did you know? The iris of the eye is named after the goddess Iris because of the many colors the iris can be — a direct linguistic bridge from mythology to anatomy.

Variations

IrisaEirís

Nicknames

Risa

Famous Bearers

★Iris Murdoch (1919–1999)
Irish-British novelist and philosopher, author of more than twenty novels including The Sea, The Sea.

If you like Iris…

Violet— fellow vintage color-linked flower name enjoying a modern revival

Maeve— short mythological girls' name with the same punchy poetic power

Frequently Asked

What does the name Iris mean?

Iris is the Greek word for 'rainbow.' In mythology Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods.

How do you pronounce Iris?

It is said EYE-riss /ˈaɪ.rɪs/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Iris a boy or girl name?

Iris is used almost exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Iris?

Iris re-entered the U.S. top 100 girls' names in recent years after a mid-century dip, and it continues to rise.