Yris first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Yris has been for the last 2 years (from 2020 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Yris

A feminine name derived from the Spanish word iris, meaning "rainbow".

Popularity of Yris by gender

Based on the last 2 years of data, Yris is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Yris.

Year Male Count Female Count
2021 0 7
2020 0 5

The history of the first name Yris

The name Yris originates from the Greek mythology, where it was the name of one of the goddesses who personified the rainbow. The word "iris" itself derives from the Greek word "iris," meaning "rainbow." The name is thought to have been used as a given name since ancient times in Greece and other regions influenced by Greek culture.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Yris can be found in the works of the ancient Greek poet Hesiod, who lived around the 8th century BCE. In his famous work "Theogony," he mentions the goddess Iris as a messenger of the gods, describing her as the "swift-footed" and "wind-footed."

During the Roman era, the name Yris was also used, as the Romans adopted many aspects of Greek mythology and culture. In Roman mythology, Iris was associated with the goddess Juno and served as her messenger.

In the Middle Ages, the name Yris was less commonly used, but it resurfaced during the Renaissance period, when there was a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman art and literature. During this time, the name was sometimes used as a symbolic reference to the beauty and grace associated with the goddess Iris.

One notable historical figure named Yris was Yris de Thouars, a 17th-century French noblewoman and writer. She was born in 1616 and was known for her literary salons and her collection of poetry.

Another notable bearer of the name was Yris Murdoch, a British novelist and philosopher who lived from 1919 to 1999. She is best known for her novels exploring moral and philosophical themes, such as "The Black Prince" and "The Sea, The Sea."

In the field of art, Yris Apfel is a renowned American fashion icon and interior designer, born in 1922. She is celebrated for her unique and eccentric style, and her work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications.

Yris Farre was a Spanish painter and sculptor who lived from 1935 to 2008. Her works often explored themes of feminism and social commentary, and she was a prominent figure in the Catalan art scene.

Yris Shand was a Canadian poet and novelist born in 1936. She is best known for her works exploring themes of identity, gender, and the natural world, such as her poetry collection "The Unmapped World."

It is worth noting that while the name Yris has been used throughout history, it has remained relatively rare compared to other names. However, its connection to Greek mythology and its association with beauty and grace have made it a unique and intriguing choice for parents seeking a name with historical and cultural significance.

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

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

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"Yris first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 26, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/yris-meaning-and-history/.

"Yris first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/yris-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 26 June, 2025

Yris first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/yris-meaning-and-history/.

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