Find out how popular the first name Irie has been for the last 42 years (from 1982 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Irie by gender

Based on the last 42 years of data, Irie is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 84% of people named Irie being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 141 female babies and 21 male babies born with the name Irie.

The history of the first name Irie

The given name Irie is believed to have originated from the Jamaican Patois language, which is an English-based creole with influences from various African languages. The name is derived from the Rastafarian term "Irie," which means positive, peaceful, or to be at total ease.

The name Irie gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly within the Rastafarian culture and among those associated with the reggae music scene. It is often used as a greeting or to express a sense of contentment and well-being.

While the name itself does not have any direct historical references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is deeply rooted in the Rastafarian movement, which emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s. The Rastafarian culture has had a significant impact on the island's music, language, and overall way of life.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Irie can be found in the 1970s, when it started to gain popularity among Jamaican families. However, it was not until the late 20th century and early 21st century that the name became more widely recognized globally.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the given name Irie. One such person is Irie Selkirk, a Jamaican singer and songwriter born in the 1970s, known for her contributions to the reggae and dancehall genres.

Another individual named Irie is Irie Jones, an American singer and songwriter born in the 1980s, who has gained recognition for her work in the neo-soul and R&B genres.

In the field of athletics, Irie Harris is a former American football defensive back who played in the National Football League (NFL) in the early 2000s.

Irie Banton, born in the late 20th century, is a Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist known for his unique style and lyrical prowess.

Lastly, Irie Calhoun is an American actress and model born in the late 20th century, who has appeared in various television shows and films.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Irie was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Irie, please contact us.

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