Iris
Girl name · 556 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Iris: 556 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 39 births in 2020.
Iris has its roots in ancient Greek, where it was the name of the rainbow goddess and messenger of the gods, directly translating to 'rainbow'. This vibrant origin is echoed in both the iris flower—a favourite in Scottish gardens—and the coloured part of the eye, making the name a quiet tribute to nature and vision. Notable bearers include the celebrated novelist and philosopher Iris Murdoch, a Glaswegian-born literary giant, and the legendary nonagenarian fashion icon Iris Apfel, whose bold style turned her into a late-life celebrity. While no major place shares the exact name, the iris flower itself remains a living connection. A charming note for Scottish parents: Iris has been a steady favourite in Scotland’s top baby names for decades, admired for its classic simplicity and bright, hopeful meaning.
Girl 28 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 202039 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #11638 babies
- Total births
- 556since 1974
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y