Meaning & History
Eireen is an English variant of the name Irene, ultimately derived from the Greek goddess Eirene, who personified peace. The Greek word εἰρήνη (eirene) means "peace."
In Greek mythology, Eirene was one of the Horai, the goddesses of the seasons and natural order. She symbolized peace and prosperity. The name was also borne by several early Christian saints, contributing to its use among Eastern Christians. notably, an 8th-century Byzantine empress named Irene ruled the empire, first as regent for her son and later as sole ruler after his death.
The name Irene entered the English-speaking world in the 19th century, and its variant Eireen emerged as a less common, more elaborate form. Related forms in other languages include Irena (Slovene), Irina (Russian), Iryna (Ukrainian), and Ena (Croatian).
- Meaning: Peace
- Origin: Greek (via Irene)
- Type: Variant
- Usage: English