Iris or Eira for a girl?

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Helpagaloutplz · 24/06/2025 12:02

NorseMum · 24/06/2025 11:40

Oh, I actually really like Ianthe, thank you for suggesting! I had never heard it before but it's beautiful 🌸

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I much prefer Ianthe to Iris and Eira! xx

clarrylove · 24/06/2025 12:00

I like Iris. It reminds me of my Auntie Iris. But we did used to call her Auntie Eyeballs. 😂

calmingpompoms · 24/06/2025 11:54

Eira is pronounced Ay-ra in Wales.

Original poster

NorseMum · 24/06/2025 11:40

AnneMarieW · 24/06/2025 01:07

Just to throw a bit more confusion into the ring but have you considered Ianthe? Like Iris it’s a name from Greek mythology and is often pronounced as “Eye-an-thee”. Some people do pronounce it as “Ee-an-thee” too but it’s so rare compared to something like Eira, I think it would be easier to have the pronunciation sound that you prefer.

I know you weren’t asking for other name ideas but there’s relatively few girls names with that “eye” sound and I always think it’s sad that so few people have heard of beautiful, literary Ianthe.

Oh, I actually really like Ianthe, thank you for suggesting! I had never heard it before but it's beautiful 🌸

OP posts:

AnneMarieW · 24/06/2025 01:07

Just to throw a bit more confusion into the ring but have you considered Ianthe? Like Iris it’s a name from Greek mythology and is often pronounced as “Eye-an-thee”. Some people do pronounce it as “Ee-an-thee” too but it’s so rare compared to something like Eira, I think it would be easier to have the pronunciation sound that you prefer.

I know you weren’t asking for other name ideas but there’s relatively few girls names with that “eye” sound and I always think it’s sad that so few people have heard of beautiful, literary Ianthe.

SallySummerPop · 23/06/2025 23:04

I love them both, we have similar taste. I think Iris may sound a little stronger than the soft Eira. Personally I wouldn't worry about the fact that some people haven't heard the name. It has become more used and it's nice that's it's unique, people will pick it up.

Ninkynonkpinkyponks · 23/06/2025 22:54

I would only know how to pronounce iris

PhantomOTheParadise · 23/06/2025 22:53

I actually really like them both but I think Iris is a little bit nicer, and probably easier for people to pronounce right for the most part.

hardtocare · 23/06/2025 22:51

Iris. I have a Welsh name that is completely phonetic and constantly have to spell it, have it mispronounced. People know Iris

AnneMarieW · 23/06/2025 22:40

Iris if mispronunciation is going to bug you -as many people, including myself, would pronounce Eira as “Ay-ra” as the “Ei” makes an “Ay” sound in a lot of places like N. Wales and in many countries in Asia afaik. Iris is much more well used as a name because of the flower and universally pronounced as “Eye-ris” I think.

NormaSears · 23/06/2025 20:07

Iris. i don't like Eira, it sounds harsh.

jackstini · 23/06/2025 18:35

I really like Eira - but you will have to tell people how to pronounce it frequently!

bigbreakfastclub · 23/06/2025 18:27

NorseMum · 23/06/2025 11:26

Hi! 👋
Just want to see what people think of the names Iris vs Eira?

Iris: Greek goddess of rainbow. Popular all over the world.

Eira: Norse goddess of healing/medicine. Popular in Sweden, Norway, Finland and also in Wales.

We are a Nordic/English family, and we like both names...but which name is prettier for a girl today? 🤔

(Pronunciation: Eye-ris and Eye-ra.)

Thanks 🙏

Can’t decide they’re both lovely. I’ve never heard of Eira so it’s more unusual.
you can’t go wrong with either name

wafflesmgee · 23/06/2025 18:25

Iris is also a flower, I like iris best

Moreteaandchocolate · 23/06/2025 18:23

Ooh I love both - I’d probably choose Iris because of the pronunciation variations with Eira, but it’s a close call!

Wotsinaname · 23/06/2025 18:17

Of the two, I would have to say Iris.
Eira, which I would pronounce Eye-ra, make me think of my granddad's name Ira.

Sunshineandgrapefruit · 23/06/2025 17:59

Iris. Beautiful.

Catopia · 23/06/2025 16:51

When are you due? Eira is also a Welsh name meaning snow, so I wouldn't use it for a summer baby but would definitely consider for a December/January baby.

I'm not a big fan of Iris. However, if you are looking at Norse names, have you considered Eydís?

KayEmAy · 23/06/2025 16:01

Ihaveacatwhoisfat · 23/06/2025 12:10

Eira.

I don’t like Iris at all.

ditto

CeraUnaVolta · 23/06/2025 12:57

I love both! Which is no help at all.
I do sort of love the alliteration of Eira Iris if you used both.

Coffeeishot · 23/06/2025 12:36

Do you pronounce Eira, Ira? I quite like it its unusual without being out there

marshmallowfinder · 23/06/2025 12:34

Iris is the coloured part of the eye, so no. Not keen on Eira.

Clearingaspace · 23/06/2025 12:30

I really like Iris, but no one i suggest it to in real like seems very keen.

With eira, I would prefer Ay-rah pronunciation but if i was reading the name I would say eye-rah which I don’t like and don’t think is as pretty as the meaning of the name.

JillyGiraffe · 23/06/2025 12:21

Iris! Eira may be mispronounced. I’d have assumed it rhymed with Keira.

Hermitintraining · 23/06/2025 12:21

Iris is lovely.
Eira I would not instinctively pronounce the way you want it. I would say Air-uh.
Obviously if I was told correctly I would then learn, but it might get annoying.
It seems the Welsh version is said differently again.
But go with what you love most, people will learn.