What does Eilidh mean and where does it come from?
Eilidh is a traditional Scottish Gaelic name derived from 'eilid', which means 'light'. This name has been popular in Scotland, especially among those with Celtic heritage. It is sometimes associated with the word 'eilid,' which refers to someone who is bright and radiant. Famous figures bearing thi
Cultural significance
Eilidh has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of scottish gaelic.
Peak popularity
Reached #6584 in 2019 — currently #6735 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Eilidh?
Eilidh works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Eilidh Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Eilidh Rose
Floral · soft ending
Eilidh Mae
Sweet · timeless
Eilidh Claire
French influence · crisp
Eilidh Jane
Literary · strong
Eilidh Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Eilidh right now?
Rising fast — up 1421 spots — currently #6735 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #6735 | 17 | ▲ up 1421 · +31% births |
| 2022 | #8156 | 13 | ▼ down 4 |
| 2021 | #8152 | 13 | ▼ down 781 · -13% births |
| 2020 | #7371 | 15 | ▲ up 1384 · +15% births |
| 2015 | #8755 | 13 | ▲ up 4243 · +63% births |
| 2010 | #12998 | 8 | ▲ up 1038 · +14% births |
| 2005 | #14036 | 7 | ▼ down 5513 · -42% births |
| 2000 | #8523 | 12 | — |
The story of Eilidh
Eilidh is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1999. With 209 total births recorded, Eilidh remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8523 in 2000 to #6735 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Eilidh in 2019:
Eilidh by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 5 | |
| 2000s | 81 | |
| 2010s ★ | 108 | |
| 2020s | 15 | |
💎Eilidh has only 209 total recorded births since 1999 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Eilidh?
ENGLISH
NellieNellyNonieNoreenNorene
What names sound and feel like Eilidh?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Eilidh also consider these
How is Eilidh written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Eilidh
What does the name Eilidh mean?
Eilidh means "Scottish Gaelic" — 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 Eilidh?
Eilidh 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 Eilidh?
Eilidh 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.
Is Eilidh a common or rare name?
Eilidh is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Eilidh?
Eilidh naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.