The girl's name Irene \i-re-ne\ is pronounced eye-REEN, eye-REE-nee. It is of Greek origin, and its meaning is "peace". Mythology: Greek goddess of peace. Saint Irene (fourth century) was one of the three sisters martyred for their faith in Macedonia. The three-syllable pronunciation is mostly British. Common during the Roman Empire, but first used in English-speaking countries in the mid-19th century. Irina is popular in Russia. Actresses Irene Dunne, Irene Worth.

ORIGIN
Greek

MEANING
Peace

The name of the Greek goddess of peace, a 4th century saint who was martyred with her two sisters in Macedonia. and an 8th century Byzantine empress who became the first woman to rule an empire. Formerly spelled "Irenee" or "Irenie" by the Greeks who pronounced the name with three syllables. It became popular during the 19th century and peaked in 1918 and 1919 before falling to its current ranking.

VARIATIONS
Iram Ira

ALTERNATIVES
Irine Eireen Eirene Ireen

NICKNAMES
Renie Rena Rene

FAMOUS Irenes
Irene Dunne (actress) Irene Cara (singer/songwriter/actress)

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