Iris is a bright and appealing baby name. Although its origins date back to early Greece, this name's simplicity and magnetic beauty have made it a favorite for the 21st century. Associated with heavenly phenomena, Iris offers a colorful alternative to other celestial names. Iris Simpkins is the name of the main character in The Holiday, and Iris Ann West is a central character in The Flash. Keep reading to learn more about this name.
Meaning of the name Iris:
Greek: Rainbow
Origin of the name Iris:
Iris originates from the Greek word Îris. The word Iris means “rainbow.”
Symbolism of the name Iris:
Iris originates from the Greek word for “rainbow.” In Greek mythology, Iris is the personification of the rainbow as well as an important messenger of the gods. Her symbols included the caduceus and pitcher. Iris can also refer to the genus of plants known for vivid blue and purple flowers. And in human anatomy, the iris is the pigmented structure responsible for the color of a person's eyes.
Style of the name Iris:
Classic
Gender of the name Iris:
Iris is a girl's name.
Pronunciation of the name Iris:
EYE-ris
Number of syllables in the name Iris:
Two
Emotion evoked from the name Iris:
The name Iris evokes feelings of iridescence and beauty.
Alternative spellings for the name Iris:
- Íris
- Iiris
- Irys
- Irais
- Irida
Nicknames for the name Iris:
- Irie
- Ris
- Rissie
Popularity of the name Iris:
According to the Social Security Administration index, Iris was the 127th most popular baby name for girls in 2020. Iris has ranked among the top 200 baby girl names since 2016.
Related names for the name Iris:
Great middle names for Iris and their meanings:
- Aviva (springlike, fresh, dewy)
- Calliope (beautiful voice)
- Clarissa (clear, bright, famous)
- Emmeline (work)
- Felicity (happiness)
- Gwendolyn (blessed ring)
- Mirabel (wonderful)
- Paloma (dove)
- Roxanne (dawn)
- Victoria (victory)
Famous people with the name Iris:
- Iris Apfel (fashion icon)
- Iris Roberta Bell (psychiatrist)
- Iris Mary Butler (historian)
- Iris Luella DeMent (singer)
- Iris Sylvia Evans (politician)
- Iris Adrian Hostetter (actress)
- Iris Vivienne Morley (historian)
- Iris Anna Runge (mathematician)
- Iris Veronica Wedgwood (novelist)
- Iris Marion Young (political scientist)
Iris in popular culture:
- Iris Chase Griffin (character in The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood)
- Iris Simpkins (main character in The Holiday)
- Iris Ann West (DC Comics character)