"ardent lord"
Origin: Welsh
Language: Welsh
Idris
Does Idris flow with your last name?
A name fit for a Welsh giant and an Islamic prophet
Welsh
Arabic
Islamic
West African
Strong
Unique
Earthy
Bold
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"interpreter, studious one"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
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The Story of Idris
Idris has two distinct origins. In Welsh, it derives from 'iud' (lord, prince) and 'ris' (ardent, impulsive), combined to mean 'ardent lord.' Cadair Idris — the 'Chair of Idris' — is one of Wales's most dramatic mountains, named after a legendary giant-warrior-poet. In Arabic and Islamic tradition, Idris is a prophet mentioned in the Quran (Surah 19), associated with wisdom and righteousness, often identified with the biblical figure Enoch.
Idris gained significant mainstream attention through British actor Idris Elba, whose commanding performances in The Wire and Luther brought the name widespread recognition in English-speaking countries. It appeals to parents seeking a name that works naturally across Western, African, and Islamic cultural contexts.
In Wales, Idris is connected to myth and landscape through the mountain Cadair Idris. In Islam, Idris is a revered prophet associated with wisdom and knowledge. In West Africa, particularly in Hausa and Fulani communities, Idris is a common given name with religious significance.
Historical Record
Idris first appeared in US Social Security records in 1951.
Over 4,633 babies have been named Idris in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Idris is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #740 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Cadair Idris in Wales is one of the country's most iconic mountains — legend says sleeping on its summit makes you either a poet or a madman
- In Islamic tradition, Idris is said to be the first prophet to write with a pen and is considered patron of tailors and scribes
Idris in Other Languages
Hausa
Idris
Welsh
Idris
Arabic
إدريس
French
Idriss
Swahili
Idris
Popularity Over Time
#740
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Idris
I
Idris Elba
Actor
1972
British actor known for The Wire, Luther, Beasts of No Nation, and the Thor franchise
I
Idris
Religious
Prophet mentioned in the Quran (Surah 19:56-57), associated with wisdom and righteousness, often identified with the bib...
Prophet mentioned in the Quran (Surah 19:56-57), associated with wisdom and righteousness, often identified with the biblical Enoch
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Compare Idris with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #740
- Total SSA Count
- 347
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh Arabic Islamic West African
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Nicknames
Idr
Idy
Idrie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Idris
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Idris is also used as a girl name, ranked #23771.
View Idris as a girl name →Similar Names
See all names like Idris →Compare Idris with...
Same Origin Names (Welsh)
See all Welsh names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Idris
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Theological origin
"angel of death"
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Salem
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Arabic origin
"peace, submission to God"
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Zahir
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Frequently Asked Questions About Idris
What does the name Idris mean?
"ardent lord" (from Welsh). "interpreter, studious one" (from Arabic). Idris has two distinct origins. In Welsh, it derives from 'iud' (lord, prince) and 'ris' (ardent, impulsive), combined to mean 'ardent lord.' Cadair Idris — the 'Chair of Idris' — is one of Wales's most dramatic mountains, named after a legendary giant-warrior-poet. In Arabic and Islamic tradition, Idris is a prophet mentioned in the Quran (Surah 19), associated with wisdom and righteousness, often identified with the biblical figure Enoch.
What is the origin of the name Idris?
Idris has Welsh, Arabic, Islamic, and West African origins. In Welsh, it means "ardent lord". In Arabic, it means "interpreter, studious one".
Is Idris a boy or girl name?
Idris is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #740. As a girl name, it is ranked #23771. Idris is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Idris?
Idris is currently ranked #740 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Idris?
Common nicknames for Idris include Idr, Idy, and Idrie.
What are good middle names for Idris?
Popular middle name pairings include Idris James, Idris Cole, Idris Anthony, Idris Emmanuel, Idris Luca, Idris Wayne, and Idris Pierre.
What are good sibling names for Idris?
Names that pair well with Idris as siblings include Darius, Zara, Amara, Kian, Leila, Seren, and Rowan.
How many syllables does Idris have?
Idris has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Idris a common or rare name?
Idris is moderately common, ranked #740 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Idris
Idris is a boy name with Welsh, Arabic, Islamic, and West African origins . The name means "ardent lord" in Welsh .
Is Idris a boy or girl name? Idris is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #740 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #23,771. Idris is more commonly used as a boy name.
Idris is currently ranked #740 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Idris has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Idris include Idr, Idy, and Idrie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis