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Origin and meaning of the name Irina

What is the origin of the name Irina?

The name Irina has Slavic origins and is a variant of the Greek name Helen. It is popular among Eastern European countries like Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia. The name Irina gained widespread use in these regions due to its association with Saint Irene or Helena, a prominent figure in Christian tradition. In Russian, the name is often spelled Yelena, but the variant Irina became more common over time.

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Learn more about the origin of the name Irina

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Irina

The name Irina originates from Greek and Russian origins, derived from the Greek name Irene, which means "peace" or "harmony." In Slavic countries, it is also associated with the word for "peaceful," "irenical," or "serene." It became popular in Russia during the 10th century when Grand Prince Vladimir adopted Christianity and named his daughter Irina (later known as St. Irene of Russia). The name gained international recognition through famous figures such as Russian cosmonaut Irina Selonova, ballet dancer Irina Dvorovenko, and Olympic fencer Irina Embrich. Its variants include Irena in Poland and Irelandn in Germany. It is a name that symbolizes tranquility and balance, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a peaceful and harmonious name for their daughter.

Character traits associated with the name Irina

Irina is often associated with qualities such as determination, intelligence, and sensitivity. Individuals named Irina are typically seen as independent and resilient, demonstrating a strong will to pursue their goals persistently. They possess a keen intellect, making them quick thinkers and problem solvers. Their emotional nature makes them deeply empathetic and caring towards others, which they express through genuine concern and compassion. However, this sensitivity can sometimes make them prone to stress or emotional intensity. Overall, Irina is a name that suggests a strong-willed, intelligent, and emotionally tuned individual who values personal connections while maintaining an independent spirit.

Popularity of the name Irina

Irina is a popular female given name of Slavic origin, derived from the Greek word "Eirene," meaning peace. The name has gained significant prominence in various countries with Russian and Eastern European influences. In Russia, Irina ranks among the top 20 most common female names, reflecting its widespread usage there. Beyond Russia, Irina is also popular in other Slavic countries like Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Romania. In addition, the name has been adopted by individuals of various ethnic backgrounds globally, thanks to its appealing meaning and phonetic structure. Despite regional variations, Irina remains a recognized and well-liked female name worldwide.

Famous people with the name Irina

Irina Bilyk is a notable Ukrainian singer and actress, born on March 23, 1968, who has gained significant recognition both domestically and internationally. She began her career as a singer in the late 1980s and has since released numerous successful albums and singles. In addition to her music career, Bilyk is also an accomplished actress, appearing in various films and television shows in Ukraine and Russia.

Irina Shayk, born on January 6, 1986, is a Russian supermodel who first gained international fame for her work with Intimissimi fashion brand. She has since walked the runway for renowned designers such as Marc Jacobs, Versace, and Victoria's Secret. In addition to her modeling career, Shayk has also ventured into acting, making her film debut in 2014's "Hercules."

Irina Slutsky is an American violinist who was born on January 18, 1973. She is the concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and a member of the Eclipse Chamber Orchestra. Slutsky has performed with numerous orchestras around the world, including the Baltimore Symphony, the National Symphony, and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.

Irina Roschin is a renowned Russian cellist, born on February 18, 1972. She began playing the cello at the age of six and has since won numerous competitions, including the Tchaikovsky International Competition in 1990. Roschin has performed with orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Irina Dvorovenko is an American ballet dancer who was born on May 30, 1977, in St. Petersburg, Russia. She began dancing at the age of six and joined American Ballet Theatre as a principal dancer in 2001. Dvorovenko has performed leading roles in numerous ballets, including "Swan Lake," "Giselle," and "Don Quixote."

Variations of the name Irina

Irina is a popular female given name of Slavic origin, derived from the Greek name Eirene, meaning peace. The name has multiple variations, including:

1. Irina - the standard Russian and Moldovan form of the name.
2. Yelena (Елена) - a common variant in Eastern Slavic countries, which is also spelled Elena or Helen in other languages.
3. Irena (Iřena) - the Czech and Slovak form of Irina.
4. Irina-Rozalia - a combination of Irina and Rozalia, another Slavic name, commonly used among Romanians.
5. Eliran (אלירן) - a Hebrew unisex name that can be derived from the name Irina, meaning "God answers" or "answered by God."
6. Eirene - the original Greek form of the name, meaning peace.
7. Irene (Iren) - the Greek and Dutch form of the name, also used in other languages such as Spanish, German, and Scandinavian languages.
8. Irena (Irène) - the French and Polish form of Irina or Irene.
9. Eleonora (Elenora, Elenore) - a name that has roots in Greek mythology but can also be considered as a variant of Irina, meaning shining light or shining torch.
10. Yarina (Ярина) - a Russian diminutive form of the name, which is more commonly used as a nickname than a given name.
11. Irén (Írén) - the Hungarian form of Irina or Irene.

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 : 24 July 2025

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