Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Iris
GirlGreek· “rainbow”
- Meaning
- rainbow
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- EYE-ris
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #61
- US babies 2025
- 3,729
- Best rank
- #61 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Iris
Iris is a Greek name that means “rainbow”.
Iris is the Greek word for rainbow, and in Greek myth Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and a messenger of the gods, linking heaven and earth. The flower took its name from her because of its many colors, as did the colored part of the eye. The name was popular in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and is now enjoying a fresh revival. It is short, bright and gentle, with a vintage charm that feels current again. Iris works well as a first or middle name and fits neatly with other flower names like Violet and Hazel.
Popularity over time
Iris has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #61, and its highest count, 3,729 babies. Use has grown 147% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #262 in 1920, #239 in 1950, #428 in 1980, #414 in 2000, #315 in 2010, and #61 in 2025. Of the 101,550 US girls named Iris since records began, 17% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 15,352 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Eden, Millie, Ayla, Emery, and Eloise.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Iris ranked highest in Alaska, Wyoming, and South Dakota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | #15 | 18 |
| Wyoming | #19 | 10 |
| South Dakota | #23 | 22 |
| Indiana | #28 | 122 |
| New Mexico | #28 | 28 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Iris is usually pronounced EYE-ris, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with I and ends in “-is”.
Middle names for Iris
A few middle names that flow with Iris: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Iris
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Lists that include Iris
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Iris mean?
Iris is a Greek name that means “rainbow”.
What is the origin of the name Iris?
Iris has Greek roots. Iris is the Greek word for rainbow, and in Greek myth Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and a messenger of the gods, linking heaven and earth.
Is Iris a popular name?
Yes. Iris ranked #61 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Iris a boy or girl name?
Iris is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Iris?
Iris is usually pronounced EYE-ris. 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