"rainbow"
Origin: Ancient Greek
Language: Greek
Iris
Pronunciation: [ EYER-uhs ]
Does Iris flow with your last name?
A rainbow goddess name blooming back to brilliant life
Greek
English
Dutch
American
French
Vintage
Literary
Elegant
Whimsical
Unique
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"goddess of the rainbow, messenger of the gods"
Origin: Greek mythology
Language: Greek
"rainbow"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
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The Story of Iris
Iris comes directly from the Greek word for 'rainbow.' In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and a divine messenger — imagined traveling at the speed of light along the arc of the rainbow, linking the worlds of gods and mortals. She served as personal messenger for Hera and Zeus. Both the iris flower (whose petals display the full spectrum of colors) and the colored ring of the human eye were named in her honor.
Iris has been enjoying a major revival in the 2010s-2020s across the US, UK, Australia, and Europe. It is part of the broader trend of botanical and nature-inspired names (Violet, Ivy, Flora, Poppy) and appeals to parents seeking a vintage name with mythological depth and visual beauty.
In Greek mythology, Iris was a divine messenger — swift, beautiful, and essential to communication between heaven and earth. The iris flower has been sacred in many cultures: ancient Egyptians placed iris on pharaoh's scepters, and the stylized iris became the fleur-de-lis, symbol of France. The Iris Prize is a leading LGBT+ film award held annually in Cardiff.
Historical Record
Iris first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 67,383 babies have been named Iris in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Iris is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #71 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The iris flower was named after the rainbow goddess because its petals display every color of the rainbow
- The Iris (the colored part of the human eye) was also named after the goddess, as it comes in many colors just as the rainbow does
Iris in Other Languages
Dutch
Iris
Greek
Ίρις
French
Iris
German
Iris
Spanish
Iris
Japanese
アイリス
Popularity Over Time
#71
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Iris
I
Iris Chang
Writer
1968
American journalist and author known for The Rape of Nanking
I
Iris Apfel
Business
1921
American businesswoman and fashion icon known for her bold layered jewelry and oversized glasses, who became a global st...
American businesswoman and fashion icon known for her bold layered jewelry and oversized glasses, who became a global style icon in her 90s
I
Iris Murdoch
Writer
1919
Irish-British novelist and philosopher, author of 26 novels including The Sea, The Sea (Booker Prize 1978), regarded as ...
Irish-British novelist and philosopher, author of 26 novels including The Sea, The Sea (Booker Prize 1978), regarded as one of the 20th century's greatest literary figures
I
Iris Fictional
Other
Goddess of the rainbow and divine messenger of the gods in Greek mythology, daughter of the Titan Thaumas and the Oceani...
Goddess of the rainbow and divine messenger of the gods in Greek mythology, daughter of the Titan Thaumas and the Oceanid Electra
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #71
- Total SSA Count
- 3,124
- Cultural Origins
- Greek English Dutch American French
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, 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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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Iris
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Iris is also used as a boy name, ranked #5812.
View Iris as a boy name →Similar Names
See all names like Iris →Compare Iris with...
Same Origin Names (Greek)
See all Greek names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Iris
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Frequently Asked Questions About Iris
What does the name Iris mean?
"rainbow" (from Ancient Greek). "goddess of the rainbow, messenger of the gods" (from Greek mythology). "rainbow" (from Greek). Iris comes directly from the Greek word for 'rainbow.' In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and a divine messenger — imagined traveling at the speed of light along the arc of the rainbow, linking the worlds of gods and mortals. She served as personal messenger for Hera and Zeus. Both the iris flower (whose petals display the full spectrum of colors) and the colored ring of the human eye were named in her honor.
What is the origin of the name Iris?
Iris has Ancient Greek, Greek mythology, Greek, English, Dutch, American, and French origins. In Ancient Greek, it means "rainbow". In Greek mythology, it means "goddess of the rainbow, messenger of the gods". In Greek, it means "rainbow".
Is Iris a boy or girl name?
Iris is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #71. As a boy name, it is ranked #5812. Iris is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Iris?
Iris is pronounced EYER-uhs.
How popular is the name Iris?
Iris is currently ranked #71 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Iris?
Popular middle name pairings include Iris Mae, Iris Louise, Iris Violet, Iris June, Iris Claire, and Iris Elaine.
What are good sibling names for Iris?
Names that pair well with Iris as siblings include Ivy, Flora, Violet, Arthur, Felix, and Jasper.
How many syllables does Iris have?
Iris has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Iris a common or rare name?
Iris is a very popular name, ranked #71 among girl names in the United States.
What girl names are similar to Iris?
About the Name Iris
Iris is a girl name with Greek, English, Dutch, American, and French origins . The name means "rainbow" in Ancient Greek .
Is Iris a boy or girl name? Iris is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #71 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #5,812. Iris is more commonly used as a girl name.
Iris is currently ranked #71 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Iris has 2 syllables and is pronounced EYER-uhs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Iris include Irina, Irie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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