Last Name Irini

The surname Irini is a feminine form of the Greek name "Irinos," which comes from the Greek word "iris" meaning "peace." It is derived from the Latin name "Pax" which also means peace. However, it's important to note that surnames can have various origins and can be influenced by many factors such as geography, migration, and historical events. In the context of Greek names, Irini could simply be a direct translation or adaptation of the Latin name Pax, brought about by the influence of the Roman Empire on Greece during ancient times. But without specific historical context or personal anecdotes, it's challenging to pinpoint the exact origin for any given individual with the surname Irini.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Irini

The meaning and origin of the last name Irini

The surname Irini is derived from the Greek female given name "Irini," which means peace in Greek. It is a common surname among Greeks, particularly those with Greek ancestry. The name has been used as a personal name since ancient times, reflecting the cultural and historical significance of peace and harmony in Greek society. As a surname, Irini likely originated as a patronymic or metronymic name, where it was derived from the given name of an ancestor or mother, respectively. It is worth noting that Greek surnames often have multiple origins, and it's possible for the same surname to have different meanings or derivations depending on its geographical and historical context.

Geographical distribution of the last name Irini

The surname Irini is predominantly of Greek origin and is most commonly found in Greece, where it ranks among the top 3,000 most frequent surnames. However, due to Greek migration, particularly to countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the name has also become fairly widespread in these nations. In the U.S., for instance, Irini is ranked among the top 100,000 most common last names. Although its prevalence is primarily in Greek-speaking communities, the name's distribution reflects the global reach of Greek diaspora over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Irini

The surname Irini, derived from the Greek name for the goddess of peace, can be found with various spelling variations and transliterations due to differences in languages and regional phonetics. Some common spelling variations include Iranie, Irianu, Eirini, Ireni, Erini, and Yrini. These alterations may also appear in combined forms such as Irinides, Irinidis, or Irineou, reflecting Greek conventions of combining surnames with a patronymic suffix. Additionally, the name can be anglicized to Irenee, Irenaeus, or Ierena for non-Greek speakers. It's essential to note that these variations may lead to differences in pronunciation and may be written differently depending on the language or region.

Famous people with the last name Irini

Irini Mariam is a renowned Greek-American opera singer, known for her powerful soprano voice and versatile repertoire spanning from Baroque to contemporary works. She has performed at prestigious venues such as the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, and La Scala.

Irini Rozanis, on the other hand, is a distinguished Greek archaeologist and academic. She specializes in prehistoric Aegean archaeology and has made significant contributions to the study of Minoan civilization through her excavations at sites such as Knossos, Phaistos, and Malia.

Irini Tzortzoglou is a professional tennis player from Greece, who reached a career-high singles ranking of 108 in the world. She has competed in multiple Grand Slam tournaments, including the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

Lastly, Irini Laskaridi is a Greek actress known for her roles in films such as "The Weeping Meadow" and "Eleni". Her performances have earned her several awards and nominations, solidifying her status as one of Greece's most talented actresses.

Genealogical research on the last name Irini

The surname Irini is relatively uncommon and may have multiple origins depending on various cultural and historical contexts. In Greek, Irini could mean "peace." As such, it could be of Greek origin, with roots tracing back to ancient Greece. However, it's also possible that the name has been adopted by individuals of other ethnicities as a result of Hellenization or personal preference. The name may also have Slavic origins, derived from the female given name Irina, which is prevalent in Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Ukraine. Researching genealogical records, such as census data, birth certificates, immigration documents, and church records, can provide valuable insights into the specific lineage of individuals bearing the surname Irini, helping to confirm or dispel these potential origins.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "irini"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 29 July 2025

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