Is Irene truly dreadful?

[spearmintbubble]

I love the name Irene Elizabeth and I was wanting to use it. Majority of people I’ve asked like it, however there is a high percentage who don’t. Is it one of those names that you either love or hate? All opinions welcome!

I love it! I think it's beautiful:)

How about Irina?

I think it's really cute!

It's a beautiful name.

I think that you have to decide if you like it on its own.

Is the “Elizabeth” important for you to pair it with - it’s a nice balance but once you’ve signed the birth certificate it’s rarely going to be spoken again.

I don’t think that you should care what others think though.

Another in the yes camp. As others have said so many names associated with old women and old men have become popular. Why are they prettier just because there are other kids with the same name? It's just people get used to hearing them again and associate it with a cute toddler, all those Beryl's etc were cute kids once...how about Beryl, a gemstone? I know a Barbara in her early 20s, not English but very pretty, Kylie Minogue look alike! I don't like Kylie as a name but it hasn't done her any harm

I like it. But then I also think Elaine is a pretty name and not many agree with me on that! I bet it comes back in popularity though!

irene could be reenie as a nn which is cute

I work with children and know two Irene’s (in different years). It really suits both of them and I think it’s actually quite pretty - my initial reaction was as an “old lady” name but it definitely grew on me.

It's quite old fashioned and not in cool way like Brenda or Brian

I like it. Reminds me of the good night Irene song tho, which was about Leadbelly fancying the prison warder's daughter I think?

Thank you for all the replies! We are mainly looking at the eye-reen pronounciation, as that’s the way it’s pronounced in our families. We are actually thinking of adding on a second middle name, to make it Irene Elizabeth Alexandra. We love the sound of both.

yes. would you seriously have wanted to go through school being called Irene?

Oh I love Elaine <3 My husband isn't keen though.

Nothing wrong with Irene by the way OP.

Like it with 3 syllables

Reminds me of the Forsyte Saga

Two of the nicest people I know are called Irene & Elaine 😊

I don't like it. Irina is a Romance language version that sounds much nicer IMO.

And there is Irena, found in Lithuania, Poland etc

In mainland Europe Irene is not dated at all and is a popular name. I think if you like it, you should.go for it.

Having said that, Alexandra is nicer!!
Why don't you call her Alexandra Irene

No.

Posted too soon! I mean NO, do not call her Irene.

If you like it, use it

It's a lovely serene name. Prefer the Eye-Ree-Nee pronunciation as with Irene Handl. I like it, it has a dreamy quality.

There's nothing particularly wrong with it. It's just dated. I can see it coming back when fashions change.