What does Eileen mean and where does it come from?
Eileen is of Irish origin, derived from the Irish name 'Éiline' which is a diminutive of 'Éilidh.' The name has been adapted into various languages, notably English. It was first popularized in the 19th century in English-speaking countries. Eileen has notable figures such as Eileen Collins, the fir
Cultural significance
Eileen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright, shining light.
Peak popularity
Reached #68 in 1943 — currently #654 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Eileen?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Eileen?
Eileen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Eileen Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Eileen Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Eileen Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Eileen Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Eileen Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Eileen Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Eileen right now?
Falling — down 62 spots — currently #654 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #654 | 437 | ▼ down 62 · -14% births |
| 2024 | #592 | 511 | ▲ up 70 · +15% births |
| 2023 | #662 | 444 | ▼ down 40 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #622 | 475 | ▲ up 49 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #671 | 440 | ▲ up 30 · +11% births |
| 2020 | #701 | 398 | ▼ down 7 · -2% births |
| 2015 | #694 | 408 | ▲ up 143 · +28% births |
| 2010 | #837 | 320 | ▼ down 119 · -16% births |
| 2005 | #718 | 380 | ▼ down 92 · -5% births |
| 2000 | #626 | 401 | ▼ down 23 · +8% births |
| 1995 | #603 | 373 | ▼ down 141 · -29% births |
| 1990 | #462 | 529 | ▼ down 58 · -6% births |
| 1985 | #404 | 560 | ▼ down 27 · -9% births |
| 1980 | #377 | 613 | ▼ down 41 · -7% births |
| 1975 | #336 | 662 | — |
The story of Eileen
Eileen has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. Its peak popularity was #68 in 1943. More than 187,691 babies have been named Eileen since 1882. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #988 in 1885 to #662 in 2023. Eileen is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Eileen in 1943:
Eileen by decade
Eileen peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 81 | |
| 1890s | 438 | |
| 1900s | 1,351 | |
| 1910s | 12,718 | |
| 1920s | 28,623 | |
| 1930s | 22,349 | |
| 1940s | 34,799 | |
| 1950s ★ | 36,639 | |
| 1960s | 24,926 | |
| 1970s | 7,938 | |
| 1980s | 5,696 | |
| 1990s | 4,109 | |
| 2000s | 3,796 | |
| 2010s | 3,830 | |
| 2020s | 1,346 | |
What are good nicknames for Eileen?
ENGLISH
EvalineEvalynEveleenEvelineEvelynEvieEvvie
Famous people named Eileen
E(
Eileen (traditional Irish musician)
Eileen passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
E(
Eileen (Celtic chieftain)
Eileen bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
E(
Eileen (Irish revolutionary)
Eileen carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
E(
Eileen (traditional Irish musician)
Eileen passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Eileen?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Eileen also consider these
How is Eileen written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Eileen
What does the name Eileen mean?
Eileen 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 Eileen?
Eileen is currently ranked #662 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Eileen have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Eileen?
Eileen 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 Eileen?
Eileen is a two-syllable name pronounced eye-LEEN. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Eileen trending right now?
Eileen is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.