Irenaeus
/ˌɪrɪˈniːəs/noun
A Latinized personal name derived from Greek, borne notably by Saint Irenaeus, an early Christian bishop and theologian.
Did you know?Irenaeus comes from Greek Eirēnaios, from eirēnē meaning “peace,” the same root behind the goddess Eirene, so this “holy name” literally carries the energy of peace into Christian history.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Eirēnaios
“peaceful; belonging to peace”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Eirēnē
“peace”
Late Antiquity
Latin
Irenaeus
“Latinized personal name”
Early Christian Era
Greek/Latin
Irenaeus of Lyons
“name borne by the bishop and theologian”
Modern English
English
Irenaeus
“a proper name, especially the saint and theologian”