Irene
Irene is a girl name of Greek origin meaning “Peace”, pronounced eye-REEN. It ranked #651 in the United States in 2025, given to 442 babies, and peaked at #16 in 1918. Common nicknames: Rene, Renie, Rena.
How popular is Irene in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Irene mean, and where does it come from?
Irene is the Greek eirene, "peace," and the name of the goddess of peace, one of the Horae. It was carried by a Byzantine empress who ruled in her own right and by a martyr saint, and it spread through Orthodox and then Western Europe. In the United States it reached sixteenth place in 1918 — the year the Great War ended, which is unlikely to be a coincidence — and it remains familiar across Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal. Its short forms differ by country: Rena, Ira, Nene, Renie.
How is Irene used around the world?
Irene is used in 6 languages worldwide, with 12+ international variants.
Male FormIreneus
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Irene?
Famous People Named Irene
- Irene Dunne — American actress and five-time Academy Award nominee
- Irene Joliot-Curie — French chemist and Nobel laureate
- Irene of Athens — Byzantine empress who ruled in her own right
Similar Names to Irene
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Sibling Name Ideas for Irene
Looking for names that pair well with Irene? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Irene mean?
Irene is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Peace." Irene is the Greek eirene, "peace," and the name of the goddess of peace, one of the Horae. It was carried by a Byzantine empress who ruled in her own right and by a martyr saint, and it spread through Orthodox and then Western Europe.
How do you pronounce Irene?
Irene is pronounced eye-REEN. Common variations include Irena, Irina, Irena.
Is Irene a girl name?
Yes, Irene is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Rene, Renie, Rena.