What does Ailsa mean and where does it come from?
The name Ailsa is of Scottish origin, derived from Ailsa Craig, a small island located off the coast of Ayrshire, Scotland. Ailsa has been used as a given name since the 19th century and has become popular in Scotland and among Scottish diaspora. The name reflects a strong connection to Scottish geo
Cultural significance
Ailsa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of scottish.
Peak popularity
Reached #3245 in 1926 — currently #15363 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Ailsa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Ailsa?
Ailsa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ailsa Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Ailsa Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Ailsa Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Ailsa Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Ailsa Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Ailsa Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Ailsa right now?
Falling — down 119 spots — currently #15363 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2024 | #15363 | 5 | ▼ down 119 |
| 2023 | #15244 | 5 | ▼ down 5661 · -50% births |
| 2021 | #9583 | 10 | ▲ up 5587 · +100% births |
| 2020 | #15170 | 5 | ▼ down 4224 · -44% births |
| 2015 | #10946 | 9 | ▼ down 4285 · -53% births |
| 2010 | #6661 | 19 | ▲ up 522 · +19% births |
| 2005 | #7183 | 16 | ▲ up 3684 · +100% births |
| 2000 | #10867 | 8 | ▼ down 2690 · -20% births |
| 1995 | #8177 | 10 | ▼ down 779 · -9% births |
| 1990 | #7398 | 11 | ▲ up 3257 · +120% births |
| 1980 | #10655 | 5 | ▼ down 4028 · -37% births |
| 1975 | #6627 | 8 | ▼ down 664 |
| 1970 | #5963 | 8 | ▼ down 460 · +60% births |
| 1920 | #5503 | 5 | — |
The story of Ailsa
Ailsa entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. With 518 total births recorded, Ailsa remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5503 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #15244 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Ailsa in 1926:
Ailsa by decade
Ailsa peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1920s | 21 | |
| 1960s | 6 | |
| 1970s | 80 | |
| 1980s | 45 | |
| 1990s | 112 | |
| 2000s ★ | 123 | |
| 2010s | 121 | |
| 2020s | 10 | |
💎Ailsa has only 518 total recorded births since 1918 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Ailsa?
What names sound and feel like Ailsa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ailsa also consider these
Common questions about the name Ailsa
What does the name Ailsa mean?
Ailsa means "Scottish" — a name rooted in Scotland 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 Ailsa?
Ailsa 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 Ailsa?
Ailsa originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland 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 Ailsa?
Ailsa is a two-syllable name pronounced AY-lsuh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ailsa a common or rare name?
Ailsa is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.