Aileen

“Noble, bright; the radiant one.”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#798US 2023

352Births / yr

↓Falling

35.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.05% of births at peak

How to pronounce Aileen

ie-leen,ay-leen

/ie-leen,ay-leen/ · · 2 syllables

“Noble, bright; the radiant one.”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

What does Aileen mean and where does it come from?

Aileen is of Gaelic origin and has been popular in Ireland since the 20th century. The name gained traction in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, during the 19th and 20th centuries. Its association with nobility and brightness makes it an appealing choice. Notable figures

Cultural significance

Aileen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of noble, bright; the radiant one..

Peak popularity

Reached #289 in 1926 — currently #798 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Aileen?

Aileen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Aileen Grace

How popular is Aileen right now?

Falling — down 79 spots — currently #798 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#798 · Top 0.59%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#798	352	▼ down 79 · -14% births
2022	#719	407	▼ down 41 · -5% births
2021	#678	429	▲ up 17 · +7% births
2020	#695	401	▼ down 181 · -34% births
2015	#514	609	▼ down 46 · -6% births
2010	#468	645	▲ up 16 · +2% births
2005	#484	632	▲ up 42 · +26% births
2000	#526	501	▲ up 306 · +113% births
1995	#832	235	▲ up 25 · +2% births
1990	#857	230	▼ down 131 · -3% births
1985	#726	237	▲ up 52 · +12% births
1980	#778	212	▲ up 31 · +25% births
1975	#809	169	▼ down 138 · -29% births
1970	#671	237	▼ down 61 · -7% births
1965	#610	254	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Aileen

Best Year1915Rank #294

Peak Count645

Average Rank#581

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Aileen

Aileen has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 35,711 babies have received this name. Aileen is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Aileen in 1926:

Mary Dorothy Betty Helen Margaret

Aileen by decade

Aileen peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	63
1890s	332
1900s	818
1910s	2,831
1920s	4,648
1930s	2,157
1940s	1,628
1950s	1,956
1960s	2,309
1970s	1,780
1980s	2,355
1990s	3,258
2000s ★	5,817
2010s	5,358
2020s	401

What are good nicknames for Aileen?

ENGLISH

Lina

ITALIAN

Lina

ENGLISH

EvalineEvalynEveleenEvelineEvelynEvieEvvie

GERMAN

Evelyn

What names sound and feel like Aileen?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Aileen also consider these

Ailleen

Irish · bright, shining light

Aideen

Ireland · little fire

Aisleen

Ireland · Dream

Naileen

Ireland · A combination of

Ireland · Bright, shining light

How is Aileen written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Aileen

What does the name Aileen mean?

Aileen means "Noble, bright; the radiant one." — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Aileen?

Aileen is currently ranked #798 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Aileen?

Aileen originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Aileen more of a girl or boy name?

Aileen is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.

What are good nicknames for Aileen?

Aileen naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.