Iris

♂ Boy

Pronounced EYE-riss /ˈaɪ.rɪs/High

Meaning: From Greek iris, 'a rainbow' — the goddess of the rainbow and the iris flower; predominantly a girls' name; here for boysMedium

In 30 seconds: A rainbow: Iris is Greek for 'a rainbow' (and the iris flower). Lyrical, bright, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys).

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Origin MediumGreek

MeaningFrom Greek iris, 'a rainbow' — the goddess of the rainbow and the iris flower; predominantly a girls' name; here for boys

U.S. rank (2024)#5737 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births16 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 757

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Iris comes from Greek iris, 'a rainbow' — the Greek goddess of the rainbow and a messenger of the gods, and the name of the bright, sword-leaved iris flower. A lyrical, bright name, overwhelmingly girls' but used here for boys (slug distinguished; it appears for boys in some European and cross-cultural use; nickname Iri).

It registers thinly for boys. Rare for boys, a-rainbow at the root, and lyrical.

Did you know? Iris means 'a rainbow' in Greek — the goddess who carried messages along the rainbow, and the bright iris flower — a lyrical name, predominantly girls', here for boys (said 'EYE-riss').

Overall data confidence 60%

Behind the Name — Iris — root etymology

Variations

Iris

Nicknames

Iri

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Iris…

Cyrus— a sound-neighbor -rus boys' name

Silas— a fellow Greek-rooted boys' name

Linus— a companion Greek boys' name

Milo— another bright Greek-feel boys' name

Explore names like Iris

By themegreek unisex mythology flower-name

By meaningGod / Divine Flower

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Iris mean?

Iris is Greek for 'a rainbow' (the goddess and the iris flower).

How do you pronounce Iris?

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

Is Iris a boy or girl name?

Iris is used for both sexes (predominantly girls'); this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Iris?

Iris is rare for boys in the U.S.