Ailleen

“bright, shining light” — Associated with grace and beauty

Irish origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#836US 2023

1.4kBirths / yr

→Stable

21All-time births

📅 Since 191800

How to pronounce Ailleen

AY·LLEEN

/ˈeɪ.ˈlliːn/ · stress on AY · 2 syllables

“bright, shining light”

Associated with grace and beauty · Irish origin

What does Ailleen mean and where does it come from?

Ailleen is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Ailín. The name originates from the word 'aill,' which means 'rock' or 'noble'. Ailleen is popular in Ireland and among Irish descendants. It is often associated with grace and beauty. The name has gained some popularity in English-speaking regions due

Cultural significance

Ailleen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright, shining light.

Peak popularity

Reached #4825 in 1925 — currently #836 in the US.

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How else can you spell Ailleen?

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

Aillene

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Ailleen?

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

Ailleen Grace

How popular is Ailleen right now?

Holding steady — currently #836 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#836 · Top 0.62%

1925

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#836	1,364	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#841	1,344	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#846	1,314	▲ up 3979 · +21800% births
1925	#4825	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ailleen

Best Year2023Rank #836

Peak Count1,364

Average Rank#1837

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1925 - 20234 years

The story of Ailleen

Ailleen entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. With 21 total births recorded, Ailleen remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4825 in 1925 to #836 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ailleen in 1925:

Mary Dorothy Betty Helen Margaret

💎Ailleen has only 21 total recorded births since 1918 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Ailleen?

Common

AilAiIlleen

Famous people named Ailleen

Ailleen (Irish poet or writer)

Ailleen used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.

Ailleen (Irish revolutionary)

Ailleen carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.

Ailleen (traditional Irish musician)

Ailleen passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.

Ailleen (Celtic chieftain)

Ailleen bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Ailleen?

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

Aileen

Ireland · Noble, bright; the

Japanese · A Japanese name

Aideen

Ireland · little fire

Ireland · A combination of

Common questions about the name Ailleen

What does the name Ailleen mean?

Ailleen means "bright, shining light" — a name rooted in Irish 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 Ailleen?

Ailleen is currently ranked #836 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Ailleen?

Ailleen originates from Irish tradition. Irish 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 Ailleen?

Ailleen is a two-syllable name pronounced EY1 L L IY1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Ailleen a common or rare name?

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