What does Ailis mean and where does it come from?
Ailis is the Irish form of Alice, meaning 'noble' or 'exalted'. The name has a rich history in Ireland and was traditionally given to daughters with hopes of future high status or nobility. Ailis is less common than Alice today, giving it a unique character, and is often seen in literary contexts as
Cultural significance
Ailis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of noble.
Peak popularity
Reached #5727 in 2017 — currently #12278 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ailis?
Ailis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ailis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ailis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ailis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ailis Claire
French influence · crisp
Ailis Jane
Literary · strong
Ailis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ailis right now?
Rising fast — up 3069 spots — currently #12278 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #12278 | 7 | ▲ up 3069 · +40% births |
| 2021 | #15347 | 5 | ▼ down 6202 · -55% births |
| 2020 | #9145 | 11 | ▲ up 30 · -8% births |
| 2015 | #9175 | 12 | ▲ up 3612 · +50% births |
| 2010 | #12787 | 8 | ▼ down 1375 · -11% births |
| 2005 | #11412 | 9 | ▼ down 4685 · -44% births |
| 2000 | #6727 | 16 | ▲ up 8010 · +220% births |
| 1990 | #14737 | 5 | — |
The story of Ailis
Ailis is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1990. With 216 total births recorded, Ailis remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14737 in 1990 to #12278 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Ailis in 2017:
Ailis by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 26 | |
| 2000s | 82 | |
| 2010s ★ | 97 | |
| 2020s | 11 | |
💎Ailis has only 216 total recorded births since 1990 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Ailis?
What names sound and feel like Ailis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ailis also consider these
Common questions about the name Ailis
What does the name Ailis mean?
Ailis means "noble" — 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 Ailis?
Ailis is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Ailis?
Ailis 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.
How do you pronounce the name Ailis?
Ailis is a two-syllable name pronounced AY1 L IH1 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ailis a common or rare name?
Ailis is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.