What does Paisley mean and where does it come from?
The name Paisley originates from Scotland, derived from the town of Paisley in Renfrewshire, which is named from the Scottish Gaelic 'Paisley', meaning 'church'. The name also refers to the paisley pattern, which is a stylized floral teardrop design. In contemporary naming trends, Paisley has gained
Cultural significance
Paisley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of church.
Peak popularity
Reached #45 in 2015 — currently #67 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Paisley?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Paisley?
Paisley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Paisley Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Paisley Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Paisley Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Paisley Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Paisley Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Paisley Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Paisley right now?
Declining — down 6 spots — currently #67 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #67 | 3,508 | ▼ down 6 · -1% births |
| 2024 | #61 | 3,554 | ▼ down 5 · -5% births |
| 2023 | #56 | 3,743 | ▼ down 3 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #53 | 4,048 | ▼ down 1 · -6% births |
| 2021 | #52 | 4,295 | ▼ down 2 · -1% births |
| 2020 | #50 | 4,333 | ▼ down 5 · -15% births |
| 2015 | #45 | 5,078 | ▲ up 193 · +283% births |
| 2010 | #238 | 1,325 | ▲ up 810 · +481% births |
| 2005 | #1048 | 228 | ▲ up 868 · +156% births |
| 2000 | #1916 | 89 | ▲ up 82 · +29% births |
| 1995 | #1998 | 69 | ▲ up 425 · +35% births |
| 1990 | #2423 | 51 | ▲ up 4270 · +410% births |
| 1985 | #6693 | 10 | ▲ up 1912 · +43% births |
| 1980 | #8605 | 7 | ▼ down 2337 · -12% births |
| 1970 | #6268 | 8 | — |
The story of Paisley
Paisley is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1966. Its peak popularity was #45 in 2015. A total of 46,090 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6268 in 1970 to #56 in 2023. Paisley is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Paisley in 2015:
Paisley by decade
Paisley peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 25 | |
| 1970s | 57 | |
| 1980s | 156 | |
| 1990s | 653 | |
| 2000s | 3,348 | |
| 2010s ★ | 37,509 | |
| 2020s | 11,415 | |
What are good nicknames for Paisley?
What names sound and feel like Paisley?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Paisley also consider these
Common questions about the name Paisley
What does the name Paisley mean?
Paisley means "church" — 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 Paisley?
Paisley is currently ranked #56 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Paisley?
Paisley 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 Paisley?
Paisley is a two-syllable name pronounced PAY-zlee. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Paisley more of a girl or boy name?
Paisley is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.