What does Eilis mean and where does it come from?
Eilis is a variant of the name Elizabeth and has strong roots in Irish heritage. It has been used in Ireland since the 20th century and is associated with the character Eilis Lacey in Colm Tóibín's novel 'Brooklyn.' The name is fairly popular among Irish communities and has gained recognition outsid
Cultural significance
Eilis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god is my oath.
Peak popularity
Reached #6103 in 2018 — currently #13668 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Eilis?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Eilis?
Eilis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Eilis Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Eilis Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Eilis Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Eilis Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Eilis Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Eilis Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Eilis right now?
Rising fast — up 2158 spots — currently #13668 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #13668 | 6 | ▲ up 2158 · +20% births |
| 2023 | #15826 | 5 | ▼ down 5226 · -44% births |
| 2022 | #10600 | 9 | ▲ up 1946 · +29% births |
| 2021 | #12546 | 7 | ▼ down 2058 · -22% births |
| 2020 | #10488 | 9 | ▲ up 4674 · +50% births |
| 2015 | #15162 | 6 | ▼ down 2373 · -25% births |
| 2010 | #12789 | 8 | ▲ up 902 · +14% births |
| 2005 | #13691 | 7 | ▲ up 2630 · +40% births |
| 2000 | #16321 | 5 | ▼ down 1465 |
| 1990 | #14856 | 5 | — |
The story of Eilis
Eilis is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1990. With 230 total births recorded, Eilis remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #14856 in 1990, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #15826 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Eilis in 2018:
Eilis by decade
Eilis peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 61 | |
| 2000s | 75 | |
| 2010s ★ | 85 | |
| 2020s | 15 | |
💎Eilis has only 230 total recorded births since 1990 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Eilis?
What names sound and feel like Eilis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Eilis also consider these
Common questions about the name Eilis
What does the name Eilis mean?
Eilis means "God is my oath" — a name rooted in Ireland 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 Eilis?
Eilis 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 Eilis?
Eilis originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Eilis a common or rare name?
Eilis is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Eilis?
Eilis 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.