Rising since 1990, #694 for boys today.
Popularity of Idris since 1914
Babies named Idris per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 7 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 282 |
| 1980s | 283 |
| 1990s | 345 |
| 2000s | 543 |
| 2010s | 1,628 |
| 2020s | 1,938 |
Meaning & origin
Idris is a name of dual heritage, rooted in both Arabic Islamic tradition and Welsh history. In the United States, it has been steadily rising in popularity since the 1990s, reflecting broader trends toward global name choices. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1914, but its modern ascent is notable: it reached its peak rank of 694 in 2025, with an incidence of 1 in 4,368 births. The name is most common in Illinois, Nevada, and Connecticut, suggesting appeal in diverse, urban areas. Idris balances a scholarly Islamic connection with a regal Welsh legacy, offering a distinctive yet accessible option.
Idris has two distinct origins. In Arabic, Idris (إدريس) is the name of a prophet mentioned in the Quran, often identified with the biblical Enoch. The name may derive from the Arabic root 'd-r-s' meaning 'to study' or 'to instruct', reflecting the prophet's association with learning. Separately, Idris is a traditional Welsh name, borne by a 7th-century king of Meirionydd, and its meaning is uncertain but possibly related to 'ardd' (lord) or 'ris' (ardor). The name has seen modern usage in both the Anglophone world and the Middle East.
Where Idris is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Idris” around the world
Where Idris lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
140
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
New Zealand
14
babies in 2025
Quebec
21
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Iddy, Ris
Sibling names for Idris
Names that share Idris's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Amara, Nadia, Leila, Zara, Maya, Amira, Kadijah, Noor, Zahra, Zakiya, Afia, Aziya, Hayat, Hoda, Jasmeen, Safaa, Safiyyah, Tasnim, Yaminah, Aeisha, Afra, Ifrah, Kamile, Rayhana, Safiyya, Shazia, Wateen, Zamani, Ruweyda, Abia, Aiysha, Ajwa, Amnah, Hadija, Kalima, Namira, Rehema, Tola
Brothers: Omar, Elias, Zayn, Yusuf, Amir, Abdallah, Amiri, Bilal, Khalil, Zain, Edris, Husam, Iram, Kassim, Maalik, Safwan, Ayo, Calil, Haron, Raif, Wadie, Zakarie, Abyan, Aaban, Akif, Guled, Ilyaas, Nahim
