Iris sits comfortably in the UK charts at #61 in 2024 — recognisable but not overwhelming. Your child may occasionally share their name.
Origin & Meaning
Greek — Rainbow; Greek goddess of the rainbow
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UK Rank 2024
#61
US Rank #71
About the Name Iris
Iris is holding steady in the rankings at #61. It reached its peak of #61 in 2023 and has maintained consistent levels since — the hallmark of a name with lasting rather than trend-driven appeal. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996. It has broken into the UK top 100 on 9 occasions, signalling genuine mainstream interest.
Etymologically, Iris comes from Greek, where it means "Rainbow; Greek goddess of the rainbow". Names with strong etymological stories tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles.
Iris is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
It ranks similarly in the US at #71, suggesting broad transatlantic appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Iris
Unlikely. With around 707 UK babies named Iris per year, your child will almost certainly be the only Iris in her class, and possibly the only one in the whole school.
Iris has held a stable position around #61 for several years. It reached its recorded peak of #61 in 2023 and has maintained consistent levels since — suggesting lasting rather than trend-driven appeal.
The name Iris has Greek origins and means "Rainbow; Greek goddess of the rainbow". Names with clear etymological roots tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles and give children a story to tell about their name.
Notable people named Iris include: Donnie Iris — Donnie Iris is an American rock musician known for his work with the Jaggerz and Wild Cherry during the 1970s and for his solo career beginning in the 1980s...; Iris Kyle — Iris Floyd Kyle is an American professional female bodybuilder..
Iris ranks #71 in the US (2024), making it comfortably inside the American top 100. It's well-liked on both sides of the Atlantic.
707
UK babies named Iris (2024)
~0.0
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~0.4
In a school of 600
↑ 16 places
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Iris
Likely around 1 other Iris in the class
UK Popularity (1996–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Iris
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Donnie Iris is an American rock musician known for his work with the Jaggerz and Wild Cherry during the 1970s and for his solo career beginning in the 1980s with his band, the Cruisers. He wrote the No.
Iris Apfel was an American businesswoman, interior designer, and fashion designer, known for her flamboyant style, outspoken personality and oversized eyeglasses. In business with her husband, Carl, from 1950 to 1992, Apfel had a career in textiles, including a contract with the White House that spanned nine presidencies.
Dame Iris Margaret Origo, DBE was an English-born biographer and writer. She lived in Italy and devoted much of her life to improving the Tuscan estate at La Foce, near Montepulciano, which she bought with her husband in the 1920s.