Irena

Origin

Origin & Etymology - Irena is derived from the Greek name Eirene, meaning 'peace'. The name was adopted into Latin as Irene and became popular across Christian Europe through the veneration of Saint Irene, a Christian martyr and saint. In the context of Australian history, the name carries Christian and European heritage, but it does not have specific Aboriginal or Māori roots.

Meaning

Meaning - 'Peace' or 'peaceful', symbolising harmony and tranquility, which resonates with Australian cultural values of mateship and community cohesion.

Pronunciation

/ɪˈriːnə/ (Australian English pronunciation, stress on second syllable) , with the 'I' as in 'bit', and 'nea' as in 'see-uh'. ','Variants':['Irene','Irina'], 'original script':'Ιρήνη (Greek) - pronounced approximately as /iˈrineɪ/' in Greek.'},

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 19 August (Feast of Saint Irene)
• 21 September (International Day of Peace) in some Christian calendars; no specific Māori or Aboriginal name day associations.
• In Māori culture, similar names may relate to concepts of peace and harmony, but 'Irena' itself is not traditionally part of Māori naming customs.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with irena:

• Charlotte and Irena
• Emma and Irena (for sibling names)
• Mary and Irena (classic pairing in Australian Christian tradition)

Fun Facts

• Famous Australians named Irena include Irena Srbinovska, a public figure and runner-up in The Bachelor Australia.
• The name gained popularity in the early 20th century among European immigrant communities in Australia.
• Irena is also the name of various notable figures in the arts and sciences internationally, contributing to its classic appeal.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name irena:

• Serene
• Gentle
• Diplomatic
• Compassionate

Aesthetic Qualities

Elegant and classical, the name boasts a balanced typographic form that is both aesthetically pleasing and versatile in formal and informal contexts within Australian English.

Geographical Distribution

More common in urban centres such as Sydney and Melbourne, particularly among communities with European heritage and immigrants from Greece and Eastern Europe.

Numerological Significance

Name number 9 in numerology, associated with wisdom, compassion, and idealism, aligning with the name’s peaceful and harmonious connotations in Australian cultural symbolism.

Astrological Connections

Potentially linked to the zodiac signs Pisces and Libra, both associated with harmony and balance, reflecting the name's meaning of peace. Birth date connections are not specific but are associated with the calming influence often attributed to these signs.

Historical Context

Historically, the name gained popularity through Christian saints, notably Saint Irene of Athens, associated with peace and diplomacy. In Australian literature and media, characters named Irena often symbolise calmness and resilience.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name easily adapts across languages, with variants like Irene and Irina used internationally; in non-Latin scripts, it retains its phonetic essence with minor spelling adjustments.

Famous People Named irena

• Irena Sendler (Polish-born humanitarian and rescuer during WWII)
• Irena Srbinovska (Australian TV personality and athlete)
• Fictional characters: Irena in Australian novels and screenplays often embody tranquility and wisdom.

Popularity in Australia