Girls · #61 in 2025
Iris: Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Origin
- Greek
- Meaning
- Rainbow; also the flower name
- Pronunciation
- EYE-ris
- Nickname options
- Usually used in full
Origin and meaning
Iris means rainbow in Greek and is the name of the mythological messenger associated with it. The flower provides a second familiar reference. Those two associations give a brief name unusually rich imagery.
U.S. popularity
Iris ranked #61 for girls in the United States in 2025, with 3,729 girls given this spelling. Its highest recorded U.S. rank was #61, reached in 2025. Historical coverage: 1880–2025. Peak refers to rank, not the largest number of births.
Source: Social Security Administration; historical peaks calculated from its national name files. Rankings count each spelling separately within the listed sex.
The Hello Baby Names take
Iris is compact, clear, and a little more serious than many flower names. The final S gives it a neat finish, while the opening stays airy. It is a lovely option for parents who want botanical beauty with a tailored sound.
Things to consider
Iris has no obvious default nickname, which may be part of its appeal. Check the transition if your surname begins with S.
If you love Iris, consider…
- Violet: Adds more floral romance and length.
- Ivy: Keeps the botanical connection in a smaller shape.
- Hazel: Offers a warmer woodland mood.
- Clara: Shares the composed, vintage feeling.
- Ruby: Adds a vivid color association.
- Alice: Keeps the quiet classic style.
- Luna: Brings celestial imagery and a softer ending.
- Daphne: Offers another compact name with mythological atmosphere.