Irina - Female Name Meaning and Origin
- Origin
- Greek
- Meaning
- Peace
- Pronunciation
- ee-REE-nah
- Gender
- Female
- Variations
- Eirene, Iryna, Irin, Irena
- Notable Namesakes
- Irina Shayk (International model)
- Irina Baronova (Russian ballerina)
Looking for name ideas? Try our name generators right here on NamingQuest.
Etymology & Heritage
The name Irina is of Greek origin, stemming from the ancient Greek name Eirene, which translates to peace in English. This classical foundation has allowed the name to transcend numerous cultures while maintaining its essential meaning of serenity, tranquility, and harmony.
The use of this name has been widespread across Eastern Europe and Russia, each region developing their own localized pronunciations and spellings, such as Iryna, Irin, and Irena. It gained significant popularity in Russia in the 19th century, becoming deeply aligned with Russian culture and heritage, where it flourished as both a given name and a cultural symbol.
Character & Essence
Irina silently whispers serenity, tranquility, and harmony, creating a soothing ambiance around anyone who bears it. There's a unique poetic beauty to this name—it is short yet strong and grows tender through each utterance.
The name embodies a subtle elegance that bestows both a sense of tranquility associated with its meaning and a touch of the exotically esoteric associated with its cultural heritage. Overall, it is subtly elegant, cloaking its bearer in a veil of peace while maintaining a quiet strength that speaks to both grace and resilience.
Cultural & Contemporary Significance
Irina holds both historical significance and contemporary appeal. The name has been borne by saints and nobles throughout history, lending it an air of spiritual devotion and cultural gravitas.
The name also has strong representation in literature and performing arts. In Anton Chekhov's Three Sisters, the youngest sister named Irina embodies innocence and hope, while in ballet, Irina Baronova became a famed Russian ballerina. More recently, Irina Shayk, a renowned international model, has brought contemporary, global awareness to the name.
Irina represents the perfect balance for those seeking a name that combines serenity and charisma, history and modern appeal. It is a historical, cultured name with a universally positive meaning that holds inherent grace and quiet strength.