Find out how popular the first name Irys has been for the last 30 years (from 1995 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Irys by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Irys is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 17 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Irys.

The history of the first name Irys

The given name Irys has its origins rooted in the ancient Greek language. Derived from the Greek word "iris," which means "rainbow," the name is associated with the Greek goddess of the same name, who personified the rainbow and served as a messenger between the gods and mortals.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Irys can be found in Greek mythology, where it was used to refer to the goddess Iris. In Homer's Iliad, Iris is depicted as a swift-footed messenger who carried messages from the gods to mortals and facilitated communication between the realms of the divine and the earthly.

During the classical period of ancient Greece, the name Irys gained popularity among the aristocratic classes, as it was seen as a name that embodied grace, beauty, and the connection between the celestial and terrestrial realms.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Irys. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Irys of Crete (c. 5th century BCE), a renowned philosopher and mathematician who made significant contributions to the study of geometry and the development of the Pythagorean theorem.

In the 3rd century BCE, Irys of Alexandria was a prominent scholar and historian who wrote extensively about the ancient civilizations of Egypt and the Mediterranean region. Her works, although now lost, were highly regarded and cited by later historians.

During the Byzantine era, Irys Comnena (c. 1050-1122) was a member of the Comnenian dynasty and a renowned scholar and writer. She authored several works on philosophy, theology, and literature, and her writings were influential in shaping the intellectual discourse of the time.

In the 19th century, Irys Murdoch (1919-1999), a British novelist and philosopher, gained widespread acclaim for her novels, which explored existential themes and the complexities of human relationships. She was also a renowned scholar and philosopher, contributing significantly to the fields of moral philosophy and literary theory.

More recently, Irys Cruttenden (1954-), an American actress and singer, has gained recognition for her performances on stage and screen, particularly in musicals and theatrical productions.

While the name Irys has its roots in ancient Greek culture, it has transcended geographical and temporal boundaries, serving as a timeless reminder of the beauty and wonder of the natural world, as well as the enduring human quest for knowledge and understanding.

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 Irys was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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