US Popularity:1378
Origin:Irish
Other Origin(s):Gaelic, Scottish
Meaning:Much more than a pretty face, Aileen is an Irish female name encompassing brilliance at its most enthralling. As an anglicized version of Eibhlín, Aileen's origins lie in the Gaelic form of the Greek Hēlēnē, which means "bright, shining light." It's a name made famous by Helen of Troy—the Spartan queen whose captivating beauty set the wheels of the mythological Trojan War in motion. Emerging from the Greek for "sun," hēlios, Helen represents splendor that could launch a thousand ships. Yet on Ireland's greener shores, such reverence is not reserved for attractive features alone but captures the mind at its most inspiring. Here, Aileen shares close company with the poet Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill, whose Irish lament Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire is considered the greatest poem composed in Ireland or England during the 18th century.
Much more than a pretty face, Aileen is an Irish female name encompassing brilliance at its most enthralling. As an anglicized version of Eibhlín, Aileen's origins lie in the Gaelic form of the Greek Hēlēnē, which means "bright, shining light." It's a name made famous by Helen of Troy—the Spartan queen whose captivating beauty set the wheels of the mythological Trojan War in motion. Emerging from the Greek for "sun," hēlios, Helen represents splendor that could launch a thousand ships. Yet on Ireland's greener shores, such reverence is not reserved for attractive features alone but captures the mind at its most inspiring. Here, Aileen shares close company with the poet Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill, whose Irish lament Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire is considered the greatest poem composed in Ireland or England during the 18th century.

Aileen Name Popularity Data

The Bump Ranking

Overall:Aileen is currently #1278 on The Bump
Girl:Aileen is currently #588 on The Bump Girl Names

U.S. Births

Overall:Aileen is currently #1378 in U.S. births
Girl:Aileen is currently #526 in U.S. births

Yearly Ranking Change:

Year:
2022
#1378
in 2022
- 68
from 2021
In comparison to the previous year's data
Sources
  • 100,000+ Baby Names by Bruce Lansky, pg. 70

  • Name Doctor, Aileen

  • Behind the Name, Aileen, January 2019

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