Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Idris
BoyArabic, Welsh· “Quranic prophet; also a Welsh name”
- Meaning
- Quranic prophet; also a Welsh name
- Origin
- Arabic, Welsh
- Pronunciation
- IH-drihs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #694
- US babies 2025
- 391
- Best rank
- #694 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Idris
Idris is an Arabic and Welsh name that is usually said to mean “Quranic prophet; also a Welsh name”.
Idris has two separate roots. In Arabic, Idris is a prophet mentioned in the Quran and praised as truthful and patient; many Islamic scholars identify him with the biblical Enoch. In Welsh, Idris is an old personal name often interpreted as combining words for "lord" and "ardent," and it is linked to Cadair Idris, a mountain in Snowdonia named in legend as the chair of a giant called Idris. The name is used across the Muslim world and in Wales, and British actor Idris Elba has made it widely recognized. It is short, strong and easy to pronounce, with a timeless quality.
Popularity over time
Idris first appears in US Social Security records in 1914. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 8 different years, starting in 2018. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #694, and its highest count, 391 babies. Use has grown 183% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #1,744 in 1980, #3,020 in 2000, #1,568 in 2010, and #694 in 2025. Of the 5,031 US boys named Idris since records began, 39% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,628 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Evander, Zyair, Jasiel, Bridger, and Aurelio.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Idris ranked highest in Illinois, New York, and Connecticut.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | #369 | 29 |
| New York | #394 | 44 |
| Connecticut | #414 | 7 |
| New Jersey | #421 | 19 |
| Minnesota | #457 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Idris over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Idris is usually pronounced IH-drihs, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with I and ends in “-is”.
Middle names for Idris
A few middle names that flow with Idris: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Idris
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Lists that include Idris
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Idris mean?
Idris is an Arabic and Welsh name that is usually said to mean “Quranic prophet; also a Welsh name”.
What is the origin of the name Idris?
Idris has Arabic and Welsh roots. Idris has two separate roots.
Is Idris a popular name?
Yes. Idris ranked #694 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Idris a boy or girl name?
Idris is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Idris over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Idris?
Idris is usually pronounced IH-drihs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings