Irene

Origin

Greek origin, from the word 'Eirēnē' meaning 'peace'. The name appears in Greek mythology as the personification of peace and is also associated with the Greek goddess Eirene. It has been adopted into various languages and cultures, including English, with historical usage dating back to early Christian times.

Meaning

Literal translation 'peace'. In Australian English contexts, the name connotes serenity, calmness, and harmonious spirit, often appreciated for its classical elegance.

Pronunciation

/aɪˈriːni/ : ['eye-ree-nee], with the emphasis on the second syllable, following standard Australian pronunciation conventions, including non-rhotic accent.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 12 March (Feast of Saint Eirene, Eastern Orthodox tradition)
• 21 September (International Day of Peace) in line with the meaning of peace, celebrated globally including in Australia.
• 25 April (Anzac Day commemorations highlight themes of peace and remembrance in Australian history)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with irene:

• Charlotte and Irene
• Mia and Irene or Irene and Grace
• Sophie and Irene

Fun Facts

• The name Irene was popularised in Australia during the early 20th century, peaking around the 1930s and 1940s.
• In Australian slang, 'Irene' is sometimes used colloquially in referencing the peaceful, laid-back attitude associated with certain regions or communities.
• The name has been used for Australian ships and vessels, symbolising peace and stability.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name irene:

• Calmness
• Harmonious
• Elegant
• Serene
• Traditional

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a gentle, flowing visual aesthetic, with soft vowel sounds and balanced letter composition that is pleasing in written form, embodying its peaceful meaning.

Geographical Distribution

More prevalent in urban centres with diverse immigrant populations, such as Sydney and Melbourne, where Greek and European communities have historically settled. Less common in rural and Indigenous communities.

Numerological Significance

Number 7 (if using Pythagorean numerology), associated with introspection, spirituality, and a thoughtful nature, aligning with the serene qualities of the name.

Astrological Connections

Often associated with the Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) which embody emotional depth and calmness, reflecting the peaceful nature of the name.

Historical Context

The name gained popularity through Christian saints and early church figures, especially Saint Irene. It was widely used in Australia by immigrants of Greek and European descent. Australian cultural icons such as Irene Mitchell (actress and writer) have contributed to its recognition. In fictional literature, Australian authors have occasionally used the name to depict characters embodying calm and peaceful qualities.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well into many languages, maintaining its phonetic integrity. In non-Latin scripts, it is transliterated respecting phonetic pronunciation.

Famous People Named irene

• Irene Papas (Greek actress popular in Australia)
• Irene Mitchell (Australian actress and writer)
• Irene Curran (Australian nurse and social worker)

Popularity in Australia