Irén: a female name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “eiríni (ειρήνη) eirḗnē (εἰρήνη),” meaning “peace, tranquility, harmony".It derives from the Greek word "eiríni > eirḗnē".
In Greek tradition, Irén holds special significance as a feminine name representing This name derives from the Ancient Greek “eiríni (ειρήνη) eirḗnē (εἰρήνη),” meaning “peace, tranquility, harmony. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Greek culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Irén
Quick facts about Irén
Origin
Greek
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “eiríni (ειρήνη) eirḗnē (εἰρήνη),” meaning “peace, tranquility, harmony.” The Roman equivalent was “Pax.” Eirene in Greek Mythology was one of the Horae and the personification of peace. She is sometimes said to be the daughter of Zeus and Themis. Irene and its variants were also the names of an 8th-century Byzantine empress, as well as several saints. The name has always been trendy among the people of the Christian faith. In English, the name “Irene” did not become common until the 19th-century. In Greek mythology, the Horae (Greek: Ὧραι, ‘seasons’) were the goddesses of the seasons and the natural portions of time.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
eiríni > eirḗnē
How to Pronounce Irén
Irén is pronounced /iˈrɛn/(Greek)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Iré-n
Say it like: "EEREHN"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Irén is predominantly used in hungarian (magyar) speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
hungarian (magyar)
Name Relationships
Irén is a variant form of Irene, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.
Irén means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “eiríni (ειρήνη) eirḗnē (εἰρήνη),” meaning “peace, tranquility, harmony.” The Roman equivalent was “Pax.” Eirene in Greek Mythology was one of the Horae and the personification of peace. She is sometimes said to be the daughter of Zeus and Themis. Irene and its variants were also the names of an 8th-century Byzantine empress, as well as several saints. The name has always been trendy among the people of the Christian faith. In English, the name “Irene” did not become common until the 19th-century. In Greek mythology, the Horae (Greek: Ὧραι, ‘seasons’) were the goddesses of the seasons and the natural portions of time.". The name comes from eiríni > eirḗnē. In its original form, the name derives from eiríni (ειρήνη) eirḗnē (εἰρήνη). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Irén for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “eiríni (ειρήνη) eirḗnē (εἰρήνη),” meaning “peace, tranquility, harmony.” The Roman equivalent was “Pax.” Eirene in Greek Mythology was one of the Horae and the personification of peace. She is sometimes said to be the daughter of Zeus and Themis. Irene and its variants were also the names of an 8th-century Byzantine empress, as well as several saints. The name has always been trendy among the people of the Christian faith. In English, the name “Irene” did not become common until the 19th-century. In Greek mythology, the Horae (Greek: Ὧραι, ‘seasons’) were the goddesses of the seasons and the natural portions of time." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Irén's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like GREEK MYTHOLOGY / RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Irén?
Irén is a greek name. The name traces back to eiríni > eirḗnē. The original form eiríni (ειρήνη) eirḗnē (εἰρήνη) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to hungarian (magyar) naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “eiríni (ειρήνη) eirḗnē (εἰρήνη),” meaning “peace, tranquility, harmony.” The Roman equivalent was “Pax.” Eirene in Greek Mythology was one of the Horae and the personification of peace. She is sometimes said to be the daughter of Zeus and Themis. Irene and its variants were also the names of an 8th-century Byzantine empress, as well as several saints. The name has always been trendy among the people of the Christian faith. In English, the name “Irene” did not become common until the 19th-century. In Greek mythology, the Horae (Greek: Ὧραι, ‘seasons’) were the goddesses of the seasons and the natural portions of time." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared. Irén developed as a form of Irene, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Irén a boy or girl name?
Irén is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In greek tradition, Irén has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “eiríni (ειρήνη) eirḗnē (εἰρήνη),” meaning “peace, tranquility, harmony.” The Roman equivalent was “Pax.” Eirene in Greek Mythology was one of the Horae and the personification of peace. She is sometimes said to be the daughter of Zeus and Themis. Irene and its variants were also the names of an 8th-century Byzantine empress, as well as several saints. The name has always been trendy among the people of the Christian faith. In English, the name “Irene” did not become common until the 19th-century. In Greek mythology, the Horae (Greek: Ὧραι, ‘seasons’) were the goddesses of the seasons and the natural portions of time." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Irén?
Irén is pronounced "/iˈrɛn/". This pronunciation follows el language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Irén is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Irén can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root eiríni > eirḗnē influences how Irén sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Irén?
Irén is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Irén offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Irén's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “eiríni (ειρήνη) eirḗnē (εἰρήνη),” meaning “peace, tranquility, harmony.” The Roman equivalent was “Pax.” Eirene in Greek Mythology was one of the Horae and the personification of peace. She is sometimes said to be the daughter of Zeus and Themis. Irene and its variants were also the names of an 8th-century Byzantine empress, as well as several saints. The name has always been trendy among the people of the Christian faith. In English, the name “Irene” did not become common until the 19th-century. In Greek mythology, the Horae (Greek: Ὧραι, ‘seasons’) were the goddesses of the seasons and the natural portions of time." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Irén holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Irén?
Irén is a form of Irene. Over time, Irene developed into several variations, with Irén emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In greek tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “eiríni (ειρήνη) eirḗnē (εἰρήνη),” meaning “peace, tranquility, harmony.” The Roman equivalent was “Pax.” Eirene in Greek Mythology was one of the Horae and the personification of peace. She is sometimes said to be the daughter of Zeus and Themis. Irene and its variants were also the names of an 8th-century Byzantine empress, as well as several saints. The name has always been trendy among the people of the Christian faith. In English, the name “Irene” did not become common until the 19th-century. In Greek mythology, the Horae (Greek: Ὧραι, ‘seasons’) were the goddesses of the seasons and the natural portions of time.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Irén might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In hungarian (magyar), Irén may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Irén commonly used?
Irén is used primarily in hungarian (magyar) naming traditions. Though greek in origin, Irén found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “eiríni (ειρήνη) eirḗnē (εἰρήνη),” meaning “peace, tranquility, harmony.” The Roman equivalent was “Pax.” Eirene in Greek Mythology was one of the Horae and the personification of peace. She is sometimes said to be the daughter of Zeus and Themis. Irene and its variants were also the names of an 8th-century Byzantine empress, as well as several saints. The name has always been trendy among the people of the Christian faith. In English, the name “Irene” did not become common until the 19th-century. In Greek mythology, the Horae (Greek: Ὧραι, ‘seasons’) were the goddesses of the seasons and the natural portions of time." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Irén into their naming traditions. A child named Irén will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Irén is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Irén?
Irén carries associations with GREEK MYTHOLOGY / RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “eiríni (ειρήνη) eirḗnē (εἰρήνη),” meaning “peace, tranquility, harmony.” The Roman equivalent was “Pax.” Eirene in Greek Mythology was one of the Horae and the personification of peace. She is sometimes said to be the daughter of Zeus and Themis. Irene and its variants were also the names of an 8th-century Byzantine empress, as well as several saints. The name has always been trendy among the people of the Christian faith. In English, the name “Irene” did not become common until the 19th-century. In Greek mythology, the Horae (Greek: Ὧραι, ‘seasons’) were the goddesses of the seasons and the natural portions of time." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Irén originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Irén sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Irén often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In hungarian (magyar) communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.