Islay

“Scottish Gaelic”

Scotland origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#5627US 2023

22Births / yr

↓Falling

198All-time births

📅 Since 199900

How to pronounce Islay

izl·AY

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

“Scottish Gaelic”

Scotland origin · Girl name

What does Islay mean and where does it come from?

Islay is a name of Scottish Gaelic origin, deriving from the name of the island Islay located off the west coast of Scotland. The name has been used in Scotland for centuries and carries a geographic significance. Islay is particularly popular in Scottish families and has a connection to the beauty

Cultural significance

Islay has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of scottish gaelic.

Peak popularity

Reached #3979 in 2019 — currently #5627 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Islay?

Islay works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Islay Grace

How popular is Islay right now?

Falling — down 2444 spots — currently #5627 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2010–2023#5627 · Top 4.2%

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#5627	22	▼ down 2444 · -57% births
2022	#3183	51	▼ down 9
2021	#3174	51	▲ up 1121 · +59% births
2020	#4295	32	▲ up 4456 · +146% births
2015	#8751	13	▲ up 9559 · +160% births
2010	#18310	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Islay

Best Year2021Rank #3174

Peak Count51

Average Rank#7223

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2010 - 20236 years

The story of Islay

Islay is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1999. With 198 total births recorded, Islay remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #18310 in 2010 to #5627 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Islay in 2019:

Olivia Emma Ava Sophia Isabella

Islay by decade

Islay peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1990s	6
2000s	27
2010s ★	133
2020s	32

💎Islay has only 198 total recorded births since 1999 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Islay?

Common

Isl

What names sound and feel like Islay?

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

Ismay

Scotland · ises and maid

Isla

English · Island

Islah

Arabic · reform, rectification, or

Islam

Arabic · تحية

Ihlay

International · A International name

Finlay

Scotland · fair-haired hero

Dilay

English · A meaningful name

Nilay

Turkey · night

What are the boy versions of Islay?

Isla SCOTTISH

Common questions about the name Islay

What does the name Islay mean?

Islay 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 Islay?

Islay 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 Islay?

Islay 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 Islay?

Islay is a two-syllable name pronounced IH0 Z L EY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Islay a common or rare name?

Islay is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.