Iris Melville

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Iris Melville — rainbow
85K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
Advertisement

Iris Melville is a name combining Greek origins, bringing together "rainbow" (Iris) with "descendant of Maoilmhichil" (Melville). The first name Iris is a feminine given name of Greek origin. Iris (from Greek Ἶρις Ancient Greek: [îːris], the messenger of the gods among themselves and the personification of ἶρις, the "rainbow") is a feminine name. The name came into use in English-speaking countries in the 1500s, first in reference to the goddess, and was later used along with other Ancient Greek names revived by 17th-century British poets, such as Doris and Phyllis. It is also used in reference to the flowering plant and likely inspired the use of other botanical names that became popular in the Anglosphere during the Victorian era. The surname Melville: Melville is a surname and a given name. The surname has two different origins: Scottish and Irish. In Scotland, the name is a habitational name, originally of Norman origin, derived from any of several places called Malleville in Normandy. The place name Malleville is derived from the Latin elements malum ("bad") and villa ("country house"). In Ireland, the surname is an Anglicisation of the Gaelic Ó Maoilmhichíl, which means "descendant of Maoilmhichil". The Gaelic personal name Maoilmhichil means "devotee of (Saint) Michael". Iris is a distinctive first name, carried by approximately 85K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Iris reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Iris

Meaning: rainbow

Greek

Iris (from Greek Ἶρις Ancient Greek: [îːris], the messenger of the gods among themselves and the personification of ἶρις, the "rainbow") is a feminine name. The name came into use in English-speaking countries in the 1500s, first in reference to the goddess, and was later used along with other Ancient Greek names revived by 17th-century British poets, such as Doris and Phyllis. It is also used in reference to the flowering plant and likely inspired the use of other botanical names that became popular in the Anglosphere during the Victorian era.

Surname: Melville

Meaning: descendant of Maoilmhichil

Latin

Melville is a surname and a given name. The surname has two different origins: Scottish and Irish. In Scotland, the name is a habitational name, originally of Norman origin, derived from any of several places called Malleville in Normandy. The place name Malleville is derived from the Latin elements malum ("bad") and villa ("country house"). In Ireland, the surname is an Anglicisation of the Gaelic Ó Maoilmhichíl, which means "descendant of Maoilmhichil". The Gaelic personal name Maoilmhichil means "devotee of (Saint) Michael".

Advertisement

Geographic Distribution

The first name Iris is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 13%
Canada 10%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Iris by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
Advertisement

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Iris Melville:

1
Expression Number

Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.

1
Soul Urge Number

Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.

9
Personality Number

Compassion and humanitarianism. A generous, idealistic nature with a sincere desire to improve the world.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Iris?
The first name Iris originates from Greek. Iris (from Greek Ἶρις Ancient Greek: [îːris], the messenger of the gods among themselves and the personification of ἶρις, the "rainbow") is a feminine name. The name came into use in English-speaking countries in the 1500s, first in reference to the goddess, and was later used along with other Ancient Greek names revived by 17th-century British poets, such as Doris and Phyllis. It is also used in reference to the flowering plant and likely inspired the use of other botanical names that became popular in the Anglosphere during the Victorian era.
When was Iris most popular?
The name Iris reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Melville?
The surname Melville originates from Latin. Melville is a surname and a given name. The surname has two different origins: Scottish and Irish. In Scotland, the name is a habitational name, originally of Norman origin, derived from any of several places called Malleville in Normandy. The place name Malleville is derived from the Latin elements malum ("bad") and villa ("country house"). In Ireland, the surname is an Anglicisation of the Gaelic Ó Maoilmhichíl, which means "descendant of Maoilmhichil". The Gaelic personal name Maoilmhichil means "devotee of (Saint) Michael".
What are the origins of the name Iris Melville?
The name Iris Melville combines two different traditions: the first name Iris has Greek roots, while the surname Melville originates from Latin.
Advertisement