Aileen

Eye-leen
Meaning: Bright, shining light
Gender
Girl
Origin
Celtic, Irish, Scottish
Popularity Rank
#796 (girls)
#1541 (overall)

Popularity Summary

Aileen experienced moderate popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century and remains a charming, vintage-inspired name with enduring appeal.

Why Parents Choose Aileen

Parents often choose Aileen for its lyrical beauty, meaningful significance of light and hope, and its rich Celtic heritage, making it a timeless and elegant choice for a girl.

History & Cultural Significance

Derived from the Gaelic name Eibhlín, Aileen has been used in Celtic communities for centuries. It gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the early 20th century, often chosen for its lyrical sound and meaningful roots.

Aileen is a name of Gaelic origin, often associated with Ireland and Scotland, symbolizing illumination and hope.

Notable People Named Aileen

  • Aileen Wuornos, American serial killer
  • Aileen Quinn, actress known for playing Annie
  • Aileen Britton, Australian actress

Name Variations

Eileen Alyne Ailin

Related Names

Eibhlin Aline Eileen

Similar Sounding Names

Elyne Alina Alyne

Names with Similar Feel

Sibling Name Ideas

Ewan Aiden Niamh

Pop Culture References

  • Aileen Wuornos in documentaries and films
  • Aileen Quinn as the titular character in the musical 'Annie'