MyNameList

    Irena

    Also spelled: Irene, Irina, Eirene

    Pronunciation: ee-REH-nah

    ♀ Female
    Ancient Greek

    Meaning

    Peace

    Origin

    Greek

    The Story Behind Irena

    Irena is a name of Greek origin, derived from the word 'eirēnē' (εἰρήνη), meaning 'peace'. It is the Greek form of Irene. The name was borne by Saint Irene, a 4th-century virgin martyr, which contributed to its spread throughout the Christian world, particularly in Eastern Orthodox countries. It has been a popular name in Slavic countries due to its association with peace and its adoption through Byzantine influence.

    The name has maintained its popularity in various forms across different cultures. In Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, Russia, and the former Yugoslavia, Irena is a very common and well-loved name. Its enduring appeal is often linked to its simple, positive meaning and its historical and religious significance.

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Common
    Trend:Classic
    Peak decade:1950s
    Era:Ancient, Medieval, Contemporary
    Popular in:Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, Russia

    Popularity Trends

    Is Irena Right for Your Baby?

    Irena is a Classic, Elegant, Strong name for girls that suits parents looking for something classic and well-established. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables3
    LengthMedium
    International UseGlobal
    PronunciationEasy

    Cultural Associations

    Biblical / Christian

    Regions Where Irena Is Used

    Slavic
    Eastern European
    Greek / Hellenic

    Name Vibe

    Classic
    Elegant
    Strong

    Famous People Named Irena

    • Irena Sendler (Polish nurse who rescued over 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto during WWII)
    • Irena Szewińska (Polish sprinter, one of the most successful athletes in Olympic history)
    • Irena Cara (American singer, songwriter, and actress, known for 'Flashdance... What a Feeling')
    • Irena Dubiska (Polish violinist and music educator)

    Nicknames & Short Forms

    Rena
    Ira
    Renka

    Irena in different fonts

    IrenaDancing Script
    IrenaCaveat
    IrenaSatisfy
    IrenaPacifico
    IrenaGreat Vibes

    Names Similar to Irena

    Names with a similar meaning or feel:

    Sibling Name Style

    If you like Irena, you might also like names with these styles:

    Classic European
    Traditional Slavic

    Related Names

    Found in these lists

    Frequently Asked Questions About Irena

    What does Irena mean?

    Irena means "Peace". It is derived from Greek.

    What is the origin of Irena?

    Irena originates from Ancient Greek. Its cultural origin is Greek.

    Is Irena a male or female name?

    Irena is a female name.

    How do you pronounce Irena?

    Irena is pronounced "ee-REH-nah".

    What language does Irena come from?

    Irena comes from Ancient Greek.

    Is Irena a popular name?

    Irena is considered a common name, and its popularity trend is classic.

    What are variants of Irena?

    Variants of Irena include Irene, Irina, Eirene.

    What are nicknames for Irena?

    Common nicknames for Irena include Rena, Ira, Renka.

    Articles You Might Like

    Browse more I names →