The Baby Name Wizard

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Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Irena!

Comments and insights on the name Irena: | Edit

In Poland Irena was the 15th most popular name in Poland in the 20th century, in the top 10 in the 1920s, 30s and 40s. It's been very rare in the last 30 years.

Personal experiences with the name Irena: | Edit

I am considering naming my daughter this, if I give birth to a girl. I am currently pregnant with twins but we don't know the genders yet! Irena is so rare, but it is sort of like a gem. I love the nn "Ren". Also, Ive read quite a bit about Irena Sendler, a basically unheard of hero from the holocaust, she saved ao many lives and barely received any recognition. I only worry about people possibly mispronouncing it. My husband says he wants to pronounce it like EYE ren uh, although on here it says EE ren uh. I think it os uncommon enough that we could go either way.

Nicknames for Irena: | Edit

ena, ina,

Polish nicknames for Irena: Irenka, Irka

Ren, Ira (eye -ruh)

Meanings and history of the name Irena: | Edit

A Greek name, meaning: peace.
The name is pronounced: "ee-re-nah"

Famous real-life people named Irena: | Edit

Irena Sendler (or Sendlerowa), 1910 – 2008. Nobel Peace Prize nominee. A Polish social worker who during World War 2 served in the Polish Underground resistance organization "Żegota" which worked to help Jews under Nazi occupation. She helped save 2,500 Jewish children.

Irena in song, story & screen: | Edit

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