Paisley

“church”

Scotland origin · Girl name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#56US 2023

3.7kBirths / yr

→Stable

46.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 1966🏆 8 years in top 1000.29% of births at peak

How to pronounce Paisley

PAY·zlee

/ˈpeɪ.zliː/ · stress on PAY · 2 syllables

“church”

Scotland origin · Girl name

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 #56 in the US.

🌿

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 Grace

How popular is Paisley right now?

Holding steady — currently #56 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#56 · Top 0.04%

1970

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Paisley

Best Year2015Rank #45

Peak Count5,078

Average Rank#2265

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1970 - 202313 years

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:

Emma Olivia Sophia Ava Isabella

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	4,342

What are good nicknames for Paisley?

Common

PaiPaiePayIsley

What names sound and feel like Paisley?

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

American · from the battlefield

Paysley

American · A variation of

Pasley

American · Pale meadow

Ainsley

Scotland · One's own meadow

Kaisley

American · Derived from Kays

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 P EY1 Z L IY0. 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.