Iris is a name of Greek origin that means ‘the messenger of the gods among themselves’. Derived from the Greek word for rainbow, the name is often chosen for its elegant and timeless appeal and has come to symbolize beauty, color, and brightness.
While the name is associated with the colorful part of the eye surrounding the pupil, Iris is also a goddess in Greek mythology. She was the deity of the rainbow and served as a messenger between the gods and humanity.
The name’s connection with the rainbow carries connotations of beauty and color, and it has gained popularity for its mythological significance.
- Name Origin: Greek
- Name Meaning: The messenger of the gods among themselves
- Pronunciation: EYE-riss
- Gender: Commonly used as a girl’s name
How Popular is the Name Iris?
Iris is quite a unique name, but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s not popular. One in every 693 girls born in 2021 was given the name.
Name Variations
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
| Eirys | Snowdrop | Welsh |
| Elestren | Iris | Cornish |
| Ayame | Iris | Japanese |
| Ivy | Climbing evergreen plant | British |
| Alice | Noble, kind appearance | German |
| Isla | Derived from a Scottish island, Islay, also meaning island | Scottish |
Other Greek Girl Names
| Name | Meaning |
| Athena | Goddess of wisdom |
| Daphne | Laurel |
| Helen | Light |
| Penelope | Weaver |
| Phoebe | Bright |
| Selene | The moon |
| Clio | Glory, the muse of historical poetry |
Alternative Girl Names Starting With ‘I’
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
| Ivanna | God is gracious | Slavic |
| Ivory | Pale white | English |
| Irene | Peace | Greek |
| Isabella | God is my oath | Spanish and Italian |
| Iliana | Ray of light | Greek |
| Imelda | Universal battle, warrior woman | Spanish and Italian |
| Iesha | Prosperous, alive and well, life | Hebrew, Arabic, and Swahili |
Famous People Named Iris
- Iris Adrian – American actress
- Iris Apfel – American fashion icon
- Iris von Arnim – German Fashion designer
- Iris Ashley – Stage and film actress
- Iris Apatow – American actress