Idris is a name with a rich history and multiple meanings. The name is of Welsh and Arabic origin and is usually given as a masculine name, although it can also be used for girls. In Welsh, Idris means “ardent lord,” while in Arabic, it means “studious” or “smart.”
The name Idris gained popularity after the emergence of the charismatic British actor and model, Idris Elba. The actor, known for his roles in The Wire and his portrayal of Nelson Mandela in the acclaimed film, has brought attention to the name and its unique meanings. Parents looking for a name that is both meaningful and distinctive may be drawn to Idris for its Welsh or Arabic roots.
Whether you are looking for a name that reflects your Welsh heritage or are drawn to the Arabic meaning of “studious,” Idris is a name with a lot of depth and significance. Its popularity has grown in recent years, thanks in part to the success of Idris Elba. If you are considering this name for your child, it is worth exploring the different meanings and origins to see if it resonates with you and your family.
Origin of Idris
Idris is a name that has two different origins: Welsh and Arabic. In Welsh, the name Idris means “ardent lord” and is derived from the words “udd” (lord, prince) and “ris” (ardent, enthusiastic, impulsive) [1].
In Arabic, Idris is the name of a renowned prophet who is mentioned in the Qur’an and is often linked with the Biblical character of Enoch [3]. Many legends are related to him in Arabic folklore and literature.
The name Idris has been used as a given name and as a surname in both Welsh and Arabic cultures. It has gained popularity in recent years and has been used for baby boys in various parts of the world.
Overall, the name Idris has a rich history and cultural significance in both Welsh and Arabic cultures. Its meaning of “ardent lord” and its association with a revered prophet make it a meaningful and attractive name for many parents.
| Entity | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Idris | Name with Welsh and Arabic origins |
| Arabic | Origin of the name Idris |
| Welsh | Origin of the name Idris |
| Lord | Meaning of the Welsh origin of the name |
| Qur’an | Mention of Idris as a prophet |
| Enoch | Biblical character linked with Idris in Arabic culture |
Popularity of Idris
The name Idris has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is a unisex name, but it is more commonly used as a boy’s name. In the United States, it is ranked as the 1,923rd most popular boy’s name in 2021.
According to Nameberry, Idris is currently ranked as the 469th most popular boy’s name on their website. It has Welsh and Arabic origins and means “lord” or “studious”. It has been steadily rising in popularity since the early 2000s.
In terms of popularity by state, Idris is most popular in New York, where it is ranked as the 1,211th most popular boy’s name. It is also quite popular in California, Texas, and Illinois.
While Idris is more commonly used as a boy’s name, it is worth noting that it can also be used as a girl’s name. However, it is not as popular for girls as it is for boys.
Overall, the name Idris is a unique and meaningful name that has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years.
Idris in Religion
The name Idris is mentioned in both Islamic and Christian religions. In Islam, Idris is considered a prophet who lived between the times of Adam and Noah. He is mentioned in the Quran and is believed to have been the first person to write with a pen. Idris is also known for his trust in God and his patience in the face of adversity.
In the Christian religion, Idris is believed to be the same person as Enoch, who was taken up to heaven by God. The Idrisid dynasty, which ruled over parts of North Africa and Spain in the 8th to 10th centuries, was named after Idris, who was believed to be a descendant of the prophet.
The name Idris has also been used in other religions and cultures. In Hebrew, Idris is known as Ilya and is mentioned in the Bible as the prophet Elijah. In Arabic, the name Yusuf Idris is a famous writer, and Idris is also a place name in Iraq, Dara, and Amal.
Overall, the name Idris has a rich history and is associated with trust, patience, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Prominent People Named Idris
Idris Elba
Idris Elba is an English actor, producer, and musician. He is best known for his roles in The Wire, Luther, and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Elba has won several awards for his acting, including a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2016.
Idris Muhammad
Idris Muhammad was an American jazz drummer. He played with many famous musicians, including Ahmad Jamal, Lou Donaldson, and Pharoah Sanders. He was known for his unique style of drumming, which blended jazz, funk, and soul.
Idris Shah
Idris Shah was a writer and teacher of Sufi mysticism. He was born in India and grew up in England. Shah wrote many books on Sufism, including The Sufis, which is considered a classic in the field. He was also a founder of the Institute for Cultural Research, which was dedicated to the study of human behavior.
Idris of Libya
Idris of Libya was the king of Libya from 1951 to 1969. He played a key role in the country’s independence from Italy and the establishment of the Libyan monarchy. However, he was overthrown in a military coup in 1969 by Muammar Gaddafi, who established a socialist government.
Idris Bitlisi
Idris Bitlisi was a Turkish politician and writer. He served as a member of the Ottoman parliament and later as a member of the Turkish parliament. Bitlisi was also a prolific writer, publishing several books on Turkish politics and history.
Idris Cox
Idris Cox was a British boxer who won a bronze medal in the welterweight division at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne. He also won a gold medal at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff.
Idris Davies
Idris Davies was a Welsh poet and writer. He is best known for his poetry, which often dealt with the lives of working-class people in Wales. Davies published several collections of poetry, including Gwalia Deserta and The Angry Summer.
Idris Abdul Karim
Idris Abdul Karim was a Malaysian politician and lawyer. He served as a member of parliament and as a member of the Malaysian cabinet. Karim was also a prominent lawyer, representing many high-profile clients in Malaysia.
Idris Rahman
Idris Rahman is a British jazz musician. He is known for his work as a saxophonist and composer, and has played with many famous musicians, including Courtney Pine and Nitin Sawhney.
Idris Waziri
Idris Waziri was a Nigerian politician and lawyer. He served as a member of the Nigerian parliament and later as a member of the Nigerian senate. Waziri was also a prominent lawyer, representing many clients in Nigeria.
Idris Williams
Idris Williams was a Welsh footballer who played for Wrexham and Wales. He was known for his skill as a forward, and scored many goals for both club and country.
Idris I
Idris I was the sultan of Perak, a state in Malaysia, from 1887 to 1916. He played a key role in the modernization of the state, introducing many reforms and improvements. Idris I was also a patron of the arts, and supported many cultural and educational initiatives.
Idris in Literature and Media
Mary Shelley’s The Last Man
In Mary Shelley’s novel, The Last Man, the protagonist is named Lionel Verney, but the character of Idris is also significant. Idris is a Muslim leader who is portrayed as wise and benevolent. He is one of the few survivors of a global pandemic that wipes out most of humanity. Idris is depicted as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of tragedy.
Doctor Who’s Tardis
In the popular British television show Doctor Who, the Doctor’s time and space-traveling spaceship is called the TARDIS, which stands for Time and Relative Dimension in Space. In the episode “The Doctor’s Wife,” the TARDIS is given a human form and named Idris. This version of Idris is playful and eccentric, and her interactions with the Doctor provide some of the episode’s most memorable moments.
Ivor the Engine
Idris is also the name of a steam locomotive in the children’s television show Ivor the Engine. The show was created by Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin and first aired in the 1950s. Idris is portrayed as a friendly and reliable engine who helps his fellow trains and always gets the job done.
In conclusion, the name Idris has made appearances in various forms of media, including literature and television. From Mary Shelley’s The Last Man to Doctor Who’s TARDIS and Ivor the Engine, the name has been used to represent hope, playfulness, and reliability.
Idris in Mythology
In Welsh mythology, Idris is known as Idris Gawr, meaning “Idris the Giant.” He was a king of Meirionnydd and is sometimes referred to as Idris ap Gwyddno, meaning “Idris son of Gwyddno.” It is believed that Idris Gawr was a giant who lived on the summit of Cadair Idris, a mountain in Gwynedd, Wales.
Idris Gawr
Idris Gawr is often associated with the creation of the mountain range in Snowdonia. According to legend, he created the mountains by piling rocks on top of each other to form a fortress to protect his people from invaders. It is said that he would spend his days sitting on top of Cadair Idris, contemplating the universe and the mysteries of life.
Cadair Idris
Cadair Idris, also known as Penygader, is a mountain located in Gwynedd, Wales. It is said to be named after Idris Gawr, who is believed to have lived on its summit. According to legend, anyone who spends a night on Cadair Idris will either wake up as a poet or be driven insane by the mountain’s magic.
In Welsh mythology, Cadair Idris is also associated with the story of Gwyn ap Nudd, a fairy king who is said to have lived in a cave on the mountain. It is believed that Gwyn ap Nudd would emerge from his cave on May Day to lead the wild hunt across the skies.
Overall, Idris Gawr and Cadair Idris are important figures in Welsh mythology, representing the power of nature and the mysteries of the universe.
Traits and Characteristics of Idris
The name Idris is associated with traits such as intelligence, studiousness, and a love for learning. Idris is someone who is always eager to learn and expand their knowledge. They are often curious and enjoy exploring new ideas and concepts.
Idris is also known for their analytical skills and ability to interpret complex information. They have a natural talent for breaking down complicated ideas into more manageable pieces, making it easier for others to understand. This makes them great teachers and communicators.
People with the name Idris tend to be very disciplined and focused. They are often driven to succeed and are willing to put in the work necessary to achieve their goals. They are also known for their patience and perseverance, which helps them overcome obstacles and challenges.
While Idris is often associated with intelligence and studiousness, they can also be impulsive and enthusiastic. They have a passion for life and are not afraid to take risks or try new things. This can sometimes lead to them being seen as impulsive or reckless, but it also makes them exciting and adventurous.
Overall, Idris is an ardent lord who is intelligent, studious, and passionate about learning. They have excellent analytical skills and are great communicators. They are disciplined and focused, but also impulsive and enthusiastic, making them exciting and adventurous.
Idris in Geography
The name Idris is not only popular as a given name but also as a geographical name. Here are some places that are named after Idris:
-
Jebel Toubkal in Morocco: Jebel Toubkal is the highest peak in North Africa, located in the Toubkal National Park in Morocco. The mountain was named after Idris I, the first Muslim ruler of Morocco, who founded the Idrisid dynasty in the 8th century.
-
Idrisiyya Mosque in Turkey: The Idrisiyya Mosque is a historical mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 16th century during the Ottoman Empire and named after the famous geographer and cartographer Muhammad al-Idrisi, who was born in Ceuta, Morocco.
-
Idrisid dynasty in Morocco: The Idrisid dynasty was a Muslim dynasty that ruled Morocco from 788 to 974. The dynasty was named after Idris I, who founded the dynasty and established the city of Fes as its capital.
-
The Prince Idris Hospital in Libya: The Prince Idris Hospital is a hospital located in the city of Benghazi, Libya. It was named after Prince Idris, who was the king of Libya from 1951 to 1969.
As we can see, the name Idris has been used to name various geographical locations and entities, including mountains, mosques, dynasties, and hospitals. These places are located in different parts of the world, including Morocco, Turkey, and Libya.