Irina: 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".
The name Irina carries a rich history rooted in Greek culture. Derived from "eiríni > eirḗnē", this feminine name embodies the essence of This name derives from the Ancient Greek “eiríni (ειρήνη) eirḗnē (εἰρήνη),” meaning “peace, tranquility, harmony. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Greek-speaking communities.
Quick Facts About Irina
Quick facts about Irina
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
Other Scripts
Bulgarian / Macedonian / Russian / Serbian (Ирина) Georgian (ირინა)
How to Pronounce Irina
Irina is pronounced /ɪˈriː.nə/(Russian)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Ir-in-a
Say it like: "IR-IN-A"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Irina enjoys international appeal, used in 14 different linguistic and cultural contexts including romanian, russian, catalan, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
Irina is a variant form of Arina, Irene, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.
Frequently Asked Questions About Irina
What does the name Irina mean?
Irina 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 Irina 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, Irina'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 Irina?
Irina 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. In its native script, Irina is written as Bulgarian / Macedonian / Russian / Serbian (Ирина) Georgian (ირინა). From its greek roots, Irina spread to become common in romanian, russian, catalan, norwegian and 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. Irina developed as a form of Arina, Irene, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Irina a boy or girl name?
Irina 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, Irina 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 Irina?
Irina is pronounced "/ɪˈriː.nə/". This pronunciation follows ru language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Bulgarian / Macedonian / Russian / Serbian (Ирина) Georgian (ირინა), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Irina is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in romanian, russian, catalan, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Irina can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root eiríni > eirḗnē influences how Irina sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Irina?
Irina is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Irina offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Irina'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, Irina holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Irina?
Irina is a form of Arina, Irene. Over time, Arina, Irene developed into several variations, with Irina 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 Irina might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In romanian and russian, Irina may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Irina commonly used?
Irina spans multiple cultures, including romanian, russian, catalan, and 11 other traditions. Though greek in origin, Irina found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Irina, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. 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 Irina into their naming traditions. A child named Irina 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, Irina is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Irina?
Irina 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 Irina 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 Irina sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Irina often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In romanian 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.