Someone I know very well is called Irene. She hates Rene which it gets shortened to by well meaning people and she also hates Irene. If fact, she calls it sodding Irene. Just thought I'd give you the view of someone with the name. She thinks her parents must have hated her to call her Irene, when her brothers and sisters have much more conventionally pretty names. Mind you, I like Jean, Bridget and Ingrid- so go figure!!