Boy name · Arabic
Idris
“studious, one who learns”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Idris.
Explore Idris further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Idris — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Idris is Arabic, إدريس, the name of a prophet named twice in the Quran and traditionally linked to the root d-r-s, "to study" — the same root that gives madrasa, a school. Classical commentators read the name as "the studious one." A separate Welsh Idris exists, from a mountain in Gwynedd, and the two are unrelated despite matching letter for letter.
The name travelled with scholarship rather than conquest, and turns up across West Africa, the Maghreb and South Asia. In Britain it has been quietly climbing since the 2000s; American records still barely register it, which leaves it recognisable without being placed.
Idi and Dris both work as short forms, though most families use the full two syllables. It carries a long middle comfortably (Idris Emmanuel) and a short one crisply (Idris Bay). On our vibe map it sits in Dark Academia — a name that reads as a reader.
More Arabic names
Idris sits in our Arabic set — these share its roots.
All Arabic names →Idris — common questions
Is Idris a boy or girl name?
Idris is traditionally a boy name of Arabic origin.
What does the name Idris mean?
Idris means “studious, one who learns” of Arabic origin. Idris is Arabic, إدريس, the name of a prophet named twice in the Quran and traditionally linked to the root d-r-s, "to study" — the same root that gives madrasa, a school. Classical commentators read the name as "the studious one." A separate Welsh Idris exists, from a mountain in Gwynedd, and the two are unrelated despite matching letter for letter.
Where does the name Idris come from?
Idris is Arabic in origin. The name travelled with scholarship rather than conquest, and turns up across West Africa, the Maghreb and South Asia. In Britain it has been quietly climbing since the 2000s; American records still barely register it, which leaves it recognisable without being placed.
What are common nicknames for Idris?
Idi and Dris — the short-forms parents most often use for Idris.
How popular is Idris?
Idris did not make the top 1,000 boys' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Idris you might want for the nursery.