Ailsa

“Scottish”

Scotland origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#15244US 2023

5Births / yr

↓Falling

518All-time births

📅 Since 191800

How to pronounce Ailsa

AY·lsuh

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

“Scottish”

Scotland origin · Girl name

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 #15244 in the US.

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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 Grace

How popular is Ailsa right now?

Falling — down 5661 spots — currently #15244 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#15244 · Top 11%

1920

1970

1975

1980

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ailsa

Best Year1920Rank #5503

Peak Count19

Average Rank#9229

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 202313 years

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:

Mary Dorothy Betty Helen Margaret

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	5

💎Ailsa has only 518 total recorded births since 1918 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Ailsa?

Common

AilAi

What names sound and feel like Ailsa?

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

Ailea

Scotland · rocky place

Ailssa

Japanese · A Japanese name

Ailia

Scotland · Derived from Ailsa,

Aidsa

American · Noble; exalted

Aissa

Arabic · alive, living

Aisa

Japan · Love, affection

Aisla

Scotland · Isle

Nilsa

Spanish · A variation of

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 EY1 L S AH0. 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.