Iris: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Iris mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Greek: Rainbow; goddess of the rainbow
Persian: Light, radiance

Gender: Female

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Iris is pronounced eye-ris

The name Iris is derived from the Greek word for "rainbow" and was the name of the Greek goddess of the rainbow, who was also a messenger for the gods. In Persian, it translates to "light" or "radiance". The name has an ethereal and natural charm, contributing to its enduring appeal across various cultures and periods.

Girl name variations

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Jude Law

Iris in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Iris Simpkins from The Holiday - A charming and kind-hearted journalist who finds love and self-discovery.
Iris West from The Flash - A talented journalist and the main love interest of Barry Allen, also known as The Flash.
Iris Rose from Pokémon - A skilled Pokémon trainer and previous Gym Leader, known for her expertise in Dragon-type Pokémon.
Iris Murdoch from Iris: A Memoir of Iris Murdoch - A portrayal of the famous British novelist and philosopher.
Iris Gaines from The Natural - The childhood sweetheart and moral anchor of the protagonist, Roy Hobbs.

Popularity of the Name Iris

According to Social Security Administration data, Iris has steadily risen in popularity, ranking prominently within the top 150 baby names in the United States during 2023. The name Iris, derived from the Greek word for "rainbow" has been appreciated not only for its floral connotations but also for its mythological connections.

In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow, acting as a messenger for Zeus and Hera, who used the multicolored bridge to travel between Heaven and Earth. This colorful representation led to Iris being used as the name for the colorful part of the eye and a flower.

Notable individuals named Iris include poet Iris Murdoch and actress Iris Apatow. Other individuals include novelist Iris Murdoch, singer Iris Luella DeMent, actress Iris Adrian, actress Iris Meredith, and screenwriter Iris Yamashita.

In literature and media, Iris West-Allen is a significant character in the DC Comics universe and the TV series The Flash. Additionally, Iris Henderson is a memorable character in Alfred Hitchcock's classic film The Lady Vanishes, as well as other classic materials like Shakespeare's The Tempest. Iris has also been chosen for various other characters, appearing in The Natural, The Holiday, American Horror Story: Hotel, and the song by Goo Goo Dolls.