Irene is a distinctive choice, ranked #997 in 2025. Your child is likely to be the only Irene in their class.
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UK Rank 2025
#997
US Rank #651
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About the Name Irene
2024 marks Irene's peak year in UK records so far, sitting at UK #952. The name has climbed 286 places in the last five years — a significant surge by any measure. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996.
Irene is uncommon in the UK, so your child is very likely to be the only Irene in their class.
In the US it ranks even higher at #638, where it enjoys a particularly strong following.
⭐ Famous People Named Irene
Irene Montero — Irene María Montero Gil is a Spanish politician, member of the Podemos party.
Irene Khan — Irene Zubaida Khan is a Bangladeshi British lawyer and human rights activist.
Irene Marcos — Irene Romualdez Marcos-Araneta (Tagalog: [aɪˈɾin ˈmaɾkɔs]; born Maria Victoria Irene Romualdez Marcos; September 16, 1960) is the third child of the late former president Ferdinand Marcos and former first lady Imelda Marcos.
Biographical summaries are shortened from Wikipedia and are used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence; those summaries remain available under that same licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Irene
Unlikely. With around 34 UK babies named Irene per year, your child will almost certainly be the only Irene in their class, and possibly the only one in the whole school.
Irene is rising: up 241 places since 2020, to #997 in 2025. Its best recorded position was #952 in 2024.
Irene is more popular in the US (#638) than in the UK (#952). Names with strong rankings in both countries tend to have broad cross-cultural appeal, working well for international families or those with ties to both nations.
Notable people named Irene include: Irene Montero, Irene Khan and Irene Marcos. Short summaries for each appear below.
Irene ranks #638 in the US top 1,000 (2024). It's recognised in America but considerably more popular in the UK.
34
UK babies named Irene (2025)
< 1
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~0.0
In a school of 600
↑ 241 places
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Irene
Almost certainly the only Irene in the class
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UK Popularity (1996–2025)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2025)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Irene
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Irene Romualdez Marcos-Araneta (Tagalog: [aɪˈɾin ˈmaɾkɔs]; born Maria Victoria Irene Romualdez Marcos; September 16, 1960) is the third child of the late former president Ferdinand Marcos and former first lady Imelda Marcos.
Saint Irene may refer to: Irene of Thessalonica, one of three virgin sisters killed in 304, feast day April 3 Irene of Rome (died c. 288), wife of martyr Saint Castulus, feast day January 22, she attended to Saint Sebastian Saint Irene (Grear Martyr) (Irene of Macedonia; Irene of Lecce) feast day May 5 Irene of Egypt (3rd century), killed with Sophie of Egypt (ru) Irene of Tomar (died c.
Irene Duleep Singh was an Anglo-Indian princess and painter who was the daughter of Maharaja Duleep Singh and his second wife, Ada Wetherill, an Englishwoman.