Ailish

“Ailish is a diminutive form of the name Aileen, which itself is a variation of the name Helen”

Ireland origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#9629US 2023

10Births / yr

↓Falling

590All-time births

📅 Since 199100

How to pronounce Ailish

EYE·LISH

/ˈaɪ.ˈlɪʃ/ · stress on EYE · 2 syllables

“Ailish is a diminutive form of the name Aileen, which itself is a variation of the name Helen”

Ireland origin · Girl name

What does Ailish mean and where does it come from?

Ailish is a diminutive form of the name Aileen, which itself is a variation of the name Helen. The name is of Irish origin and often used in Ireland, it gained popularity in the 20th century. Notable people with this name include Ailish McColgan, a Scottish middle-distance runner.

Cultural significance

Ailish has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.

Peak popularity

Reached #3960 in 2016 — currently #9629 in the US.

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How else can you spell Ailish?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Ailish?

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

Ailish Grace

How popular is Ailish right now?

Falling — down 2639 spots — currently #9629 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1995–2023#9629 · Top 7.1%

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#9629	10	▼ down 2639 · -37% births
2022	#6990	16	▼ down 813 · -16% births
2021	#6177	19	▼ down 21
2020	#6156	19	▲ up 3622 · +73% births
2015	#9778	11	▼ down 3875 · -52% births
2010	#5903	23	▼ down 515 · -4% births
2005	#5388	24	▼ down 259 · +4% births
2000	#5129	23	▲ up 6397 · +229% births
1995	#11526	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ailish

Best Year2000Rank #5129

Peak Count24

Average Rank#7408

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1995 - 20239 years

The story of Ailish

Ailish is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1991. With 590 total births recorded, Ailish remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11526 in 1995 to #9629 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ailish in 2016:

Emma Olivia Ava Sophia Isabella

Ailish by decade

Ailish peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1990s	104
2000s	232
2010s ★	235
2020s	19

💎Ailish has only 590 total recorded births since 1991 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Ailish?

Common

AilAilieAilyIlish

What names sound and feel like Ailish?

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

Ailis

Ireland · noble

Aylish

Ireland · Derived from 'Ailis,'

Ailysh

Japanese · A Japanese name

Ailidh

Japanese · A Japanese name

Aalish

African · A African name

Eilish

Irish · God's promise

Common questions about the name Ailish

What does the name Ailish mean?

Ailish means "Irish" — 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 Ailish?

Ailish 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 Ailish?

Ailish 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 Ailish?

Ailish is a two-syllable name pronounced AY1 L IH1 SH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Ailish a common or rare name?

Ailish is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.