Irene
/aɪ.ˈɹin/
Irene derives from the Greek Eirēnē, meaning “peace.” In Greek mythology, Eirene was one of the Horae, the goddess of peace and the season of spring, daughter of Zeus and Themis. Her Roman equivalent was Pax.
The name was adopted by early Christians and spread across the Byzantine Empire, carried by empresses—most notably the formidable Empress Irene of Athens (c. 752-803), the first woman to rule the Byzantine Empire in her own name.
Irene peaked in the US at No. 16 in 1918 with 9,774 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 638 with 461 births, in the early stages of what may become a vintage revival.
What the name Irene means
The song “Goodnight, Irene” (popularised by the Weavers in 1950) and actress Irene Dunne (1898-1990) fixed the name in mid-century American culture. The Marvel character Irene Adler and the character in Sherlock Holmes also keep it in popular culture.
Three syllables—eye-REEN—flow with classical simplicity. The name’s peace meaning and Greek mythological roots give it a gravitas that distinguishes it from more fashionable contemporaries.
Parents rediscovering Irene today often appreciate its classic peace meaning, its genuine Greek mythological depth, and its place in the broad revival of early-20th-century names.
Related names include Eirene (the original Greek spelling), Irina (Russian/Slavic form), Irena (Central European variant), and Renata (sharing the peace root in a different tradition).
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Irene
Irene - similar names
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity