Eileen

ClassicVintageGentleIrishTimeless

Eileen is an anglicized form of the Irish name Eibhlín or Aibhilín, which itself derives from Aveline, meaning "desired" or "longed-for child." It can also be considered a variant of Helen, connecting it to the Greek meaning of "light" or "torch."

Current Popularity

#654 for girls

in the United States (2025)

Projected 2026: #683, likely #606 to #760

↗Gaining popularity

Popularity over time

188019502020
Recent years · births per year

Dashed bar: 2026 (projected): 415. How this is calculated

Yearly values
  • 2011: 369
  • 2012: 324
  • 2013: 360
  • 2014: 391
  • 2015: 408
  • 2016: 390
  • 2017: 421
  • 2018: 439
  • 2019: 413
  • 2020: 401
  • 2021: 440
  • 2022: 476
  • 2023: 444
  • 2024: 511
  • 2025: 437
  • 2026 (projected): 415

Good to Know

Common nicknames: Ellie, Lena, Lee, Eily, Laney
  • •Easy to spell and pronounce in English-speaking countries
  • •Strong Irish heritage makes it meaningful for families with Celtic roots
  • •Popular in the mid-20th century, now has a vintage charm
  • •The song 'Come On Eileen' by Dexys Midnight Runners has given the name lasting cultural recognition

Famous People

E

Eileen Collins

First female Space Shuttle commander and NASA astronaut

E

Eileen Gray

Irish architect and furniture designer

E

Eileen Atkins

British actress and screenwriter

E

Eileen Fisher

Fashion designer and entrepreneur

Statistics

189,614

Total births since 1880

1947

Peak year

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