The nameIris
Iris is a girl's name of Greek origin meaning "rainbow". The name of a goddess and a flower, it is fashionable again.
- Girl's name
- Greek
Meaning
Iris is the Greek word for "rainbow". In mythology, Iris is the messenger of the gods, who travels on the rainbow.
Origin
Greek. The iris flower and the coloured part of the eye are both named after her.
History
Iris was popular in the late 19th century, then came back in the 2010s in Britain, the Netherlands and the United States, where it is in the top 100. The novelist Iris Murdoch is a famous bearer.
Iris in other languages
Iris is spelled the same in almost every European language. The word names the messenger of the gods, the rainbow, the flower and the colored part of the eye.
Did you know?
- Iris Murdoch won the Booker Prize in 1978 for The Sea, the Sea.
Famous people named Iris
- Iris Murdoch, novelist
- Iris Apfel, fashion icon
- Iris, Greek goddess of the rainbow
Popularity of the name Iris
Iris in the United States
Iris was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 15,385 births over the decade, 16% of all recorded babies named Iris. Its rise began around 1913, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Iris in the United States were born before 1977, although it is popular again today. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 2,767 births a year on average, against 1,920 in the five years before.
Iris in the United Kingdom
Iris was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 5,630 births over the decade, 48% of all recorded babies named Iris. Its rise began around 2003, and it peaked in 2022. Half of all babies named Iris in the United Kingdom were born before 2018, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 784 births a year.
Iris in France
Iris in Belgium
Iris in Switzerland
Iris in Austria
Iris in Norway
Sibling names for Iris
Names from the same generation as Iris, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Iris? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Iris with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Iris side by side with the name of your choice.
Iris in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Iris mean?
Iris is the Greek word for "rainbow". In mythology, Iris is the messenger of the gods, who travels on the rainbow.
What is the origin of the name Iris?
Greek. The iris flower and the coloured part of the eye are both named after her.
Is Iris a girl's or a boy's name?
Iris is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Iris?
In 2024, Iris was the 71st most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 3,124 births.
What are good sibling names for Iris?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Elena, Athena, Catalina and Leilani for a sister, Leon, Lorenzo, Amir and Myles for a brother.
Who are famous people named Iris?
Iris Murdoch, novelist; Iris Apfel, fashion icon; Iris, Greek goddess of the rainbow.