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Name meaning & originIris Ίρις

/EYE-ris/

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Iris is a Greek girl's name pronounced /EYE-ris/. A vibrant name meaning 'rainbow' in Ancient Greek.

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Meaning of Iris

A vibrant name meaning 'rainbow' in Ancient Greek.

The name is derived from the Greek word 'iris,' which refers to the rainbow and the messenger goddess of the same name. In Greek mythology, Iris was the personification of the rainbow and served as a link between heaven and earth, traveling on the rainbow to deliver messages from the gods to humanity. The name also refers to the colorful part of the eye and the flower genus, which was named for its wide variety of colors.

Origin
Greek
Pronunciation
/EYE-ris/

Cultural background

Iris is a popular botanical and vintage name used widely across Europe and North America, currently experiencing a significant revival in English-speaking countries.

Variations & nicknames

  • Iride
  • Irisa
  • Irida
  • Irisette
  • Eyris

Famous people named Iris

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Iris Murdoch

    Acclaimed Irish-British novelist and philosopher

    Literature · 20th Century

  • Iris Apfel

    American businessperson and interior designer known for her eccentric style

    Fashion · 20th-21st Century

  • Iris Chang

    American journalist and historical author

    Literature · Late 20th Century

  • Iris West-Allen

    Prominent character in the DC Comics Flash universe

    Fiction · Modern

  • Iris Adrian

    American actress and prolific character player

    Film · Mid-20th Century

Frequently asked about Iris

What is the mythological origin of the name Iris?
Iris was the Greek goddess of the rainbow and a messenger for the gods, particularly Hera.
Is Iris a floral name?
Yes, it refers to the Iris flower, which was named after the Greek goddess because of the many colors the petals can take.
Is the name Iris currently popular?
Iris has seen a major resurgence in the 21st century, often ranking among the top names for girls in many Western countries.

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