Irene is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "Eirene," which means peace. The name has been associated with the Greek goddess of peace, Eirene, who was often depicted as a woman wearing an olive wreath on her head.
The name Irene has been used throughout history and has been borne by several notable figures. One of the most famous Irenes is Saint Irene, who was a Christian martyr during the Roman Empire. She was sentenced to death for her faith but miraculously survived being thrown into a fiery furnace. Another notable Irene is Empress Irene of Athens, who ruled the Byzantine Empire in the 8th century.
The name Irene has been popular throughout history and continues to be used today. It has been particularly popular in countries such as Greece, Russia, and the United States. In some languages, the name Irene has different variations, such as Irène in French, Irenë in Afrikaans, and Yrena in Polish.
Overall, Irene is a beautiful and meaningful name with a rich history behind it. Its association with peace makes it a popular choice among parents looking for a name that carries a positive and uplifting meaning.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Irene in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
From 1880 to around 1915, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Irene each year. The trend peaked in 1918 with 9774 births, which is the highest number recorded during this period.
However, from 1920 onwards, we can observe a gradual decline in the popularity of the name Irene. The numbers decreased significantly over the years, reaching a low point of 438 births in 2021.
Overall, while Irene was quite popular at the beginning of the 20th century, its usage has diminished considerably over time, with fewer than 500 babies being named Irene each year since around the mid-1950s.