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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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Ailish Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ailish Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ailish Claire
French influence · crisp
Ailish Jane
Literary · strong
Ailish Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ailish right now?
Falling — down 2639 spots — currently #9629 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
What names sound and feel like Ailish?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ailish also consider these
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.