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Origin and meaning of the name Irin

What is the origin of the name Irin?

The name Irin has roots in multiple cultures and languages. In Hebrew, it means "light" or "my light". It is also a variant of the Greek name Eirene, meaning "peace". Additionally, in some Slavic languages like Russian, Ukrainian, and Bulgarian, Irina (feminine form of Irin) is derived from the word for "peace", though it can also be short for Irene. The spelling may vary slightly depending on the specific language or region.

Learn more about the origin of the name Irin

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Irin

The name Irin has roots in both Greek and Hebrew languages, signifying "peace" in both cultures. In Greek, it is derived from the word "eirene," which translates to peace. In Hebrew, the name is related to the word "rahamim," meaning mercy or compassion, with "ir" being a shorter form that over time evolved into Irin. The use of this name became popular in Western cultures during the 19th and early 20th centuries, as a result of increased interest in all things Greek and Biblical following the Enlightenment and Romantic periods. In modern times, Irin is still used as a unisex given name but is more commonly given to females.

Character traits associated with the name Irin

The name Irin is often associated with individuals who exhibit strong-willed and independent characteristics. They are known for their tenacity, determination, and resilience, traits that enable them to overcome challenges with ease. Irin individuals tend to be curious, always seeking knowledge and understanding in their surroundings. Their intuitive nature allows them to make insightful decisions, showing great foresight and wisdom beyond their years. However, their strong personality can sometimes lead to stubbornness and a reluctance to accept help from others. They possess a deep sense of empathy, making them compassionate and caring towards those around them. Overall, Irin individuals are dynamic, determined, and empathetic individuals who leave lasting impressions on the people they meet.

Popularity of the name Irin

The given name Irin, while less common in global usage, has been observed to hold significance across various cultural contexts. In the United States, according to data from the Social Security Administration, Irin ranks outside the top 1000 most popular female names as of the latest available statistics. However, its popularity may vary within specific communities or ethnic groups. In Russia, for instance, it is a diminutive form of the name Irina, which is traditionally more common and holds significant historical and cultural value. The name Irin also has some presence in Hebrew, where it means "light" or "mythical woman." Its popularity is subject to change as societal trends and personal preferences evolve over time.

Famous people with the name Irin

Irina Shayk, born Irina Leonidovna Shaykhlislamova, is a renowned Russian model and actress. She has been a Victoria's Secret Angel, graced numerous Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues covers, and walked for prestigious fashion houses such as Marc Jacobs, Versace, and Prada. In 2014, Shayk made her acting debut in the film "Hercules" alongside Dwayne Johnson. She achieved further fame as the girlfriend and later partner of actor Bradley Cooper from 2015 to 2019, with whom she shares a daughter.

Irina Bokova served as the Director-General of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) from 2009 to 2017. Born in Bulgaria, she has held several high-level positions within her country's diplomatic service before being appointed as Bulgaria's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO in 2007. Bokova focused on education and gender equality during her tenure as Director-General.

Irina Rostovani, born in 1936, is a Georgian artist who emigrated to Israel in the 1970s. She is best known for her sculptures, which often incorporate organic shapes and textures inspired by nature. Rostovani's works are featured in various museums and galleries worldwide, including the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Variations of the name Irin

The name Irin possesses various forms and spellings across different cultures. In Greek, it is spelled as "Ειρήνη" (Eirini) and means 'peace'. It's also found as Eirene or Airene in some contexts. In Hebrew, the similar-sounding name Irit (עִירית) signifies a city or citadel. The name Irene (Ирена), derived from Greek Eirini, is common in Slavic languages, particularly in Russian and Bulgarian cultures. In Finnish, Irina is a popular variant of the name. While these are the main variations, regional adaptations may result in slight differences depending on local pronunciation rules or cultural influences.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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