Iris is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word "iris," which means "rainbow." This name was given to the Greek goddess Iris, who served as the messenger of the gods and had wings on her feet. She was also known for bringing rainbows to Earth.
The name Iris has been used throughout history, with notable bearers including Iris Apfel, a renowned fashion icon and businesswoman, and Iris Chang, a Chinese-American historian and author. The flower iris is named after this Greek goddess, and its vibrant colors reflect the rainbow symbolism associated with her name.
In literature, Iris has been featured in works by authors such as Tennessee Williams (in his play "The Night of the Iguana") and E.M. Forster (in his novel "A Room with a View"). The name has also been used in popular culture, appearing in movies like "Inside Llewyn Davis" and TV shows such as "The O.C."
Overall, Iris is a unique and captivating name with deep roots in Greek mythology. Its association with the rainbow brings forth images of beauty, diversity, and connection between heaven and Earth – qualities that make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughter.
The statistics provided show the number of babies named Iris born in the United States each year from 1880 to 2023. Over this period, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of the name Iris.
From 1880 to around 1965, the number of births with the name Iris fluctuated between approximately 5 and 75 births per year. However, starting in the late 1960s, there was a noticeable rise in the popularity of the name Iris. From 1970 onwards, the annual number of births with the name Iris increased steadily, reaching a peak of 2930 births in 2022.
It is worth noting that the total number of births named Iris from 1880 to 2023 is 94640. This data demonstrates that while the name Iris was not particularly common during the late 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries, it has since become increasingly popular, with a significant rise in its usage over the past few decades.