Irina is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word "Eirene", which means peace. The name has been used throughout history and can be found in various cultures, including Russian, Romanian, Ukrainian, and Bulgarian.
The name Irina has a rich historical significance. In ancient Greece, Eirene was the goddess of peace and one of the three Horae, goddesses of the seasons and order. She was often depicted as a beautiful woman holding a branch of olive leaves, symbolizing peace and prosperity.
In Russia, the name Irina became popular during the Middle Ages after Saint Irina, also known as Saint Venera or Saint Irene, who was a martyr in the early Christian church. She was renowned for her faith and courage, and her story has inspired many generations of Russians.
The name Irina has also been associated with notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of this name is Irina Putin, the daughter of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another notable figure is Irina Abramovich, a Russian socialite and former wife of billionaire Roman Abramovich.
In literature, Irina appears in several works, including "The Idiot" by Fyodor Dostoevsky and "Doctor Zhivago" by Boris Pasternak. These appearances have contributed to the name's enduring popularity and cultural significance.
Overall, the name Irina is a powerful and meaningful choice for a girl, with roots in ancient Greek mythology and a rich history of courageous and influential women throughout the centuries.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe several trends regarding the name Irina in the United States.
From 1944 to around the mid-1980s, the number of babies named Irina varied quite significantly each year, ranging from a low of 5 births in 1974 to a peak of 17 births in 1984. This suggests that the popularity of the name Irina was not consistent during this period.
However, starting from around 1989, we see a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Irina each year. The lowest point within this span is 20 births in 1991, while it peaked at 131 births in 2023. This indicates that the name Irina has been gaining popularity over time.
Over the entire period from 1944 to 2023, a total of 2162 babies were named Irina in the United States. This demonstrates that while it may not have always been a top choice, the name Irina has remained a consistent presence among American parents selecting names for their newborn daughters.
In conclusion, while there was variability in the popularity of the name Irina over the years, it has experienced a general increase in usage since around 1989. Over time, thousands of baby girls have been named Irina in the United States.