Declining since 1985, #651 for girls today.
Popularity of Irene since 1880
Babies named Irene per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 4,002 |
| 1890s | 13,621 |
| 1900s | 23,656 |
| 1910s | 68,968 |
| 1920s | 92,836 |
| 1930s | 44,448 |
| 1940s | 31,822 |
| 1950s | 26,978 |
| 1960s | 15,451 |
| 1970s | 8,289 |
| 1980s | 7,104 |
| 1990s | 5,969 |
| 2000s | 5,153 |
| 2010s | 4,465 |
| 2020s | 2,700 |
Meaning & origin
Irene is a classic Greek name meaning 'peace'. It peaked in popularity in the United States in 1916, reaching its highest-ever rank, though the exact rank from that year is not provided. In 2025, Irene ranked 651st, given to approximately 1 in every 3,636 baby girls. The name has been on a falling trajectory since 1985, declining from its earlier prominence. Top states for Irene include Nebraska, Oregon, and Connecticut, where it enjoys relatively higher usage. Its gentle sound and serene meaning have kept it in steady, if quieter, use over the decades.
Irene originates from the Greek name Eirene (Εἰρήνη), meaning 'peace'. In Greek mythology, Eirene was the goddess of peace and one of the Horae. The name was adopted into Latin as Irene and was borne by several early Christian saints, including Saint Irene of Thessalonica, which led to its widespread use in the Byzantine Empire and later throughout Europe. It became particularly popular in English-speaking countries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Where Irene is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Irene” around the world
Where Irene lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
85
babies in 2024
Ireland
9
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rena, Renie, Reenie
Sibling names for Irene
Names that share Irene's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ethel, Florence, Mabel, Beatrice, Helen, Sylvia, Alene, Allene, Arleen, Arline, Clair, Ilene, Mable, Myrna, Norine, Rheta, Vernice, Virgia, Arlyne, Corene, Eldora, Genevie, Olene, Regena, Alleen, Athanasia, Clarene, Coretha, Ellene, Ellin, Ethyle, Evelene, Everlean, Evone, Glady, Irean, Lurene, Maebell, Morley, Odean, Orlene, Rosalene, Sydell, Alean, Alyene, Eldean, Emagene, Eraina, Evaleen, Everlene, Glenola, Larene, Linder, Lourene, Macaria, Macil, Maedell, Modean, Wandalee, Macrina, Arelene, Athalene, Avenell, Boneta, Denelda, Dorice, Earma, Ezelle, Geneal, Gladie, Loriene, Lorrene, Marene, Margerie, Margree, Mayrene, Myrene, Oleda, Olivene, Orine, Rexine, Vergene, Waneda
Brothers: Arthur, Harold, Walter, Albert, Clarence, Alvin, Elmer, Norman, Stanley, Vincent, Burton, Cyril, Edmon, Eldon, Ellwood, Evon, Lenard, Mervin, Rollin, Vern, Deward, Elwin, Gorden, Harlen, Harrell, Lennis, Merwin, Milburn, Alwin, Buel, Carrel, Carvel, Cleave, Denson, Derwood, Dolph, Doy, Erven, Estil, Hubbard, Hulen, Malvern, Marven, Norvin, Revis, Rulon, Terril, Alben, Alexios, Andreu, Bueford, Dorwin, Emmert, Eural, Freeland, Gareld, Irineo, Layman, Lymon, Mancel, Normon, Norval, Ordell, Orest, Redell, Reg, Theone, Thermon, Valton, Veldon, Verland, Windel, Elman, Elmond, Eugean, Rual, Alvon, Athanasius, Berley, Carnie, Correll, Cottrell, Densel, Earsel, Eugine, Floyde, Garvis, Harace, Luman, Luvern, Merland, Orvan, Orvell, Orvile, Savalas, Vernor, Warnell, Winfrey
Names like Irene
Names whose popularity has moved with Irene's over the last 50 years.
